These Giant Portraits Will Stand in the Path of Trans Mountain Pipeline

By Andrea Germanos

To put forth a “hopeful vision for the future” that includes bold climate action, a new installation project is to be erected along the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline expansion route to harnesses art’s ability to be a force for social change and highlight the fossil fuel project’s increased threats to indigenous rights and a safe climate.

Called “People on the Path” and launched Sunday, the project organized by Climate Justice Edmonton features larger-than-life portraits of numerous Albertans from varying walks of life, with their bodies displaying messages such as “No justice on stolen land” and “For my daughter 100% renewable energy.”

Part of the goal, organizers explained at the launch at Whitemud Park in Edmonton, is also to “dismantle the myth that everyone in this province is pro-oil.”

The Edmonton Journal reported that the full series, which will include 25 portraits, will go up this fall. CBC added that it “will be exhibited around the city and then placed along the route of the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion—through Edmonton, under the river, and west to Jasper.”

Yesterday we officially launched #PeopleOnThePath— a collective art installation of 25+ Albertans against #TMX who have a bold vision for this province beyond fossil fuels.

They will be installed directly along the #TMX route in #yeg displaying the alternative path forward. pic.twitter.com/oBQbOpedJH

— Climate Justice Edmonton 🌅 (@CJEdmonton) August 20, 2018

The launch for #peopleonthepath is finally here! We’re telling the story of what climate justice would look like in Alberta. (And psst @RachelNotley, @JustinTrudeau, it definitely doesn’t include the Trans Mountain pipeline!) #stopkm pic.twitter.com/YLPvvBsAam

— Bronwen Tucker 🍉 (@bronwentucker) August 19, 2018

we did it. we produced content only monsters can troll.@RachelNotley, a just future for generations to come means creating a 100% renewable energy economy by 2050. that means no new pipelines.#StopTMX #StopKM #stoppipelines #PeopleOnThePath #abpoli pic.twitter.com/kKpfvgRKg8

— Emma Jackson (@EmmaJackson57) August 20, 2018

“Together,” the Climate Justice Edmonton stated on its Facebook page, “these portraits are a powerful statement of the future we want to build—one which respects Indigenous rights, puts workers first, and honors our international climate commitments. We can’t build this future if we build new pipelines.”

Reposted with permission from our media associate Common Dreams.