WorkSpace Canada: Photographs by Martin Weinhold
November 2-26, 2011
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 3, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Panel Discussion: Tuesday, November 8th, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Presented in conjunction with the
Ryerson-Goethe Photo Residency 2011: Martin Weinhold
Developed and organized by Ryerson University and the Goethe-Institut
“The ongoing long-term portrait project “WorkSpace Canada” explores the world of work in the 21st century. It depicts people in their workplaces in a very personal way, revealing the professional possibilities in contemporary Canada.” – Martin Weinhold
WorkSpace Canada a is project by German photographer, Martin Weinhold. Over the past decade Weinhold has traveled across this vast country to photograph Canadian workers, compiling a record of working conditions, the nature of work and the values associated with all forms of labour. In today’s society where issues of employment, working conditions, poverty, and economic reform are especially prevalent, Weinhold’s images shows the reality of working in the 21st Century. While making this series of individual portraits he is simultaneously creating a unique composite portrait of modern Canada. The project also casts light on the meaning of labour across many occupations as he documents an array of professionals from police officers to horse breeders.
Martin Weinhold was born in East Germany and studied at the University of the Arts in Berlin. He specializes in portrait photography and has long-term teaching experience at the University of the Arts Berlin, Ryerson University Toronto where he has been a guest lecturer and artist in residence, and the Design Schule Schwerin where he started the photography program.
This exhibition is presented jointly by Ryerson University with support from the Faculty of Communication and Design, and the Goethe-Institut. It is supported by a Project Grant from the Faculty of Communication & Design at Ryerson and will be on display at I.M.A. Gallery throughout the month of November.
A panel discussion will take place at Ryerson University on November 8th, featuring an exchange of views on the representation of labour. Speakers on the panel will include Martin Weinhold, Prof. Mark Kingwell of the University of Toronto, and photo-based artists Carol Conde and Karl Beveridge. The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Blake Fitzpatrick, director of the Documentary Media MFA Program at Ryerson.
At the panel discussion there will be on sale copies of The Wage Slave Glossary, a book written by Joshua Glenn and Mark Kingswell. These two cultural critics have come together to condense the language of labour in North American culture. In the aftermath of a recession and job security on the decline, employment is something everyone is talking about. This book provides a fresh, relatable and insightful new ways to use language.
An installation of Weinhold’s photographs will also be on view at the Goethe Institut, Toronto, concurrent with the I.M.A. Gallery show and Weinhold’s residency at Ryerson.
Media Contact: Zinnia Naqvi
zinnia.naqvi@ryerson.ca
Great work ! thank u for sending me your information in the mail was neat to see my picture on here (girl in front of PWT) :) !