Prof. Jain's seminar on The Nature of Landscape (FAH492) on Nov. 1

On Nov. 1 Prof. Jain's seminar on The Nature of Landscape (FAH492) took a field trip to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. That week focused on the Group of Seven, and their relationship with the Canadian wilderness, as key figures of Canadian settler colonial nationalism. The McMichael is a veritable shrine to the Group of Seven: its collection not only began with - and primarily showcases - the Group of Seven, but its grounds also include Tom Thomson's shack (relocated from Rosedale) and a cemetery where six of the Group are buried! The visit included a docent-led tour and a seminar in an on-site meeting room. Apart from viewing works by the Group, as well as by Robert Houle, Janet Nungnik, and Maud Lewis, the seminar also discussed the nature of the museum itself - its setting, architecture, layout, curatorial narratives, and self-presentation - and how its use of landscape reinforced a particular version of national identity.