Douglas Free

Remembrance, A Gathering of Stories

"Remembrance, A Gathering of Stories" consists of three plaster busts of family members who have recently passed. Their likenesses were modeled from candid photographs. Stories recorded by the people who knew them will play ambiently around the sculptures. Objects they are associated with, including their own artworks, will decorate the plinths and frame the walls around them.

“This installation is an exploration of familial legacy and societal memorialization. My grandmother, Marion Free, raised four children by herself on a secretary's salary because her husband was sick with schizophrenia. She volunteered with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and consulted and advocated for the installation of The Luminous Veil, a suicide prevention barrier on the Bloor Viaduct. She was a strong and sweet woman who loved the Isle of Sky, knitting and watching Outlander. My grandfather, Douglas Free, was a World War II veteran and draftsman that helped design the Avro Arrow in the 1950s. His strength and gentleness left an indelible mark. My father, Peter Free, was a musician and silversmith who developed schizophrenia when he was 19 years old. He also struggled with drug addiction and homelessness. Despite this, he raised me and my sister in a loving home, and his joyful and creative spirit transcended his struggles. These are not the sort of people we typically build monuments for. Through this project I am commemorating and venerating three people who made a profound impact on my life, and the lives of their family, friends, and communities.I seek to challenge traditional notions of monumentality and commemoration, recontextualizing busts to honor those overlooked by society. By utilizing candid photographs as references, I capture the authentic essence of each subject, inviting viewers to connect with their stories on a personal level. Accompanied by voice recordings and objects associated with the deceased, the exhibition becomes a public mourning ritual, fostering empathy and reflection on loss. Through skilled craftsmanship and heartfelt dedication I hope to elevate the importance of these individuals, affirming their significance in the fabric of human memory and experience.”