Date: April 4 • 2025
End date: May 22 • 2025
Online: April 11 to May 22, 2025
Various mediums in the Atrium
The identifying of ourselves with the visual image of ourselves has become an instinct; the habit is already old. The picture of me, the me that is seen, is me.
—D. H. Lawrence, “Art and Morality”
Coquitlam Heritage’s multi-medium art exhibit, Your Image, showcases works by artists that speak to identity, culture, self-expression and the perception of ourselves and others.
In museums and in Coquitlam Heritage’s local heritage environment, exploring questions of identity is vital. Just like the many oral histories Coquitlam Heritage collects from local residents, the interpretation of the self by the artists featured in this exhibit connect individual stories to the collective community history. Your Image distills the complex realities of identity and expresses them in a way that allows viewers to reflect on questions of the self.
Museums serve as spaces to reflect on who we are, where we come from, and how we see ourselves in relation to the world.
The museum is uniquely positioned to assist in the process of reflection. Coquitlam Heritage’s artifact collection, Mackin House, the Train Station and the Caboose all make it possible for visitors to get a sense of the past, which informs our ability to make observations on identity. People’s lives are shaped by objects they use and their domestic situations. Using objects and places as starting points for oral histories, they inform us of social structures and present a glimpse into Coquitlam’s past. The art featured in this exhibit captures deeply personal experiences and diverse perspectives. We invite visitors to consider the complex layers of identity—shaped by culture, heritage, and lived experience.
Coquitlam is a city of rich cultural diversity. Featuring a wide range of artists, this exhibition highlights the complexity of the community’s cultural tapestry, while amplifying voices that have historically been underrepresented. In doing so, this exhibit not only fosters a sense of belonging but also promotes understanding and dialogue across cultural lines.
Your Image serves as a bridge between the past and present, challenging viewers to question and redefine perceptions of self and others. Such conversations deepen the appreciation for shared experience while celebrating the unique contributions of individuals to the broader community.
Later this year, Coquitlam Heritage will continue this dialogue and exploration of identity. The exhibition Hair and Body, which will be on display at Mackin House, will examine the practical means by which people shape and express themselves. From haircuts to headdresses, the exhibition will feature objects ranging from early hair dryers used at the Riverview hospital, to brushes, combs, and other objects.
Funds generously provided by the Government of British Columbia
Opening Reception
April 4 • 7 pm to 9 pm • 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam