Wes Peel
Canadian Vacation (American Myth)
48×56
Cyanotype reproduction on vintage map roller
$ 6,000
1/1
There’s tension in the air. President Trump has declared that Canada should join the US and become the 51st state. He says the border between Canada and the US is nothing but an “artificially drawn line”. How did it get to this? Many Canadians feel these statements undermine our sovereignty and unique history. We’ve seen a resurgence in national pride across the country. Canuck style, we have countered with firmness, grace, and a healthy dose of memes.
Part of the problem comes from a false view that many Americans have of our country. Of course, most Americans respect our long-standing partnership and have no desire to annex our country, but sometimes it feels like our southern neighbours just don’t get us.
This pull-down classroom map explores a stereotypical view of Canada. The images are sourced from National Geographic magazines from the 1950s, some of which were intended to promote Canada as a vacation destination for Americans. It’s time to rekindle conversation about our national identity, debunk the old myths that linger, and have a laugh along the way.