This project was inspired by and celebrates the TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. This art in the public realm was created by eight talented students from Unionville High School under the mentorship of Visual Arts Department Head, Shane Clodd and in consultation with Laurence Roberts of Forge Collective.
Birds with Red Ribbons
Artist: Joyce Liu
The artwork’s main theme is the value of unity. Sport has the power to bring people of different backgrounds together and allow them to cooperate and share a common passion. This value is symbolized using ribbons, which serves as the connection formed between people. Different species of birds from all across North and South America were selected to represent the participating regions. The open sky is a symbol of freedom, hope, and the infinite potential when a person and nation strive towards their dreams.
Heart with lub dub (heartbeat)
Artists: Morgan Potter & Taryn Henry-Prospere
The reflective heart mirrors the Pan Am centre’s image, a metaphor for the passion and purpose of the Pan Am centre where excellence in sport and sportsmanship is developed. The lub dub, heartbeat, extends from beyond the frame and journeys towards the heart symbolizing connections to community and elements beyond the Pan AM center that supports our athletes. The background is indicative of a scoreboard where each of the 41 participating countries is named.
Gears
Artist: Karen Lee
The artwork conveys the feeling of unity and spirit that the Pan Am games creates. This is illustrated by having people of all ages and ethnicities come together on a single path. This represented that the games ultimately brings people together in harmony – leading to peace and happiness. This kind of interaction between people is crucial for society to function in a healthy fashion and for individuals to live happily. In order for individuals to achieve a rich and meaningful life, people need to make connections with others. I wanted to show this with the cogwheels that the people in the artwork come out of. In order for cogwheels to move, they need other cogwheels. When one cogwheel moves, all the other ones move as well. Likewise, relationships with others are the first moving cogwheel that allow one to live an active life.
Torch
Artists: Jimmy Hung & Jeremy Chan
The artwork symbolizes the unity of every country, as they strive for excellence in athleticism and sportmanship. The concept was depicted through the use of ribbons, representing each individual country, and the torch which symbolized the passion and journey of each athlete and nation. The contour of the touch’s flame is comprised of abstracted athlete figures playing their individual sports. The colours of the ribbons are the main Pan Am colours located inside the logo.
Heritage Maps
Artist: Christopher Chiu
This design symbolizes the rich heritage of Markham. The concept is illustrated through a map of Markham with snapshots of different historically significant buildings from different regions: Markham Village, Thornhill, Unionville, and Milliken. The colour scheme is a combination of cool and warm neutral colours - restful and soothing but also warm and energizing.
