Made to value the power of perspective

McGill made us value perspective in all its forms.

Jackie: My art history classes at McGill taught me that times of uncertainty and collective trauma can lead to the creation of powerful art. Artists use their art to work through the anger and fear they are feeling. This process has led to the creation of some of the world’s most important art movements. This was the inspiration for Art on the Ave, an initiative that puts the work of local artists in vacant storefronts along Columbus Avenue in New York City. We wanted to give artists a platform to work through some of the events of this past year. We wanted to give them an opportunity to share their story.

Barbara: It is at McGill that the importance of seeing history through different lenses and from different perspectives was instilled in me. It was here that I came to understand that one has to continue to look, to observe and to learn because so much of what we think we know has yet to be revealed. Art on the Ave NYC gives people the opportunity to see stories that depict different points of view and it opens the door for dialogue about issues that are relevant today.