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Edmonton’s Caulfield brothers battle COVID-19 misinformation with art, science – Globalnews.ca

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Two Edmonton brothers who are also prominent academics are combining science and art to battle misinformation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sean and Timothy Caulfield’s latest project in the fight against fake news invites people to take a pause and think, before sharing.

Read more:
University of Alberta prof’s show debunking health myths picked up by Netflix

The brothers said it’s part of a broader project to combat misinformation.

“We really want to come at this issue from every angle we possibly can,” Timothy said. “That includes using creative communication strategies like graphic art and fine art.”

The images feature a megaphone spewing liquid onto a grey canvas, or a pair of lungs with a looming black funnel above them. You can find the Caulfield brothers’ work in an online exhibition here. Sean said the work will eventually be shown in galleries, starting with upstate New York in January.

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The duo believes having an audience pause to think about a piece of abstract art is important.

“Art is often kind of complex. It makes people slow down. That’s one of the things we need to do with misinformation. We need to think in a more nuanced way,” Sean said. “Art has a role in helping people do that.”

Read more:
Nearly half of Canadians can’t tell coronavirus fact from conspiracy theory: survey

Timothy, who is the Canada research chair in health law and policy at the University of Alberta, said misinformation can have serious consequences.

“It’s causing death,” he said. “It’s causing financial loss, it’s having an adverse impact on health and science policy. It’s adding to a chaotic information environment.”

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Sean, centennial professor in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Alberta, said his work, paired with hashtags #ThinkAccuracy or #SuperSpreader, leave much open for interpretation.

Read more:
Coronavirus conspiracies pushed by Russia, amplified by Chinese officials: experts

“Lots of things can come up [when viewing the art]. There are issues around anxiety, isolation…these are complex and emotional things that are hard to articulate,” Sean said. “Art can also play a role in that.”

Timothy said there is empirical evidence that a moment of pause, like one given by art, can help combat misinformation.

“If we can get people to stop and think about accuracy, we can have a measurable impact on the spread of misinformation,” he said. “We’re using these images to illustrate some of the empirical and policy work we’re doing.”

The brothers are both part of the Royal Society Canada Task Force on COVID-19, where Sean’s art will be circulated.

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“I love working with my brother. It’s really rewarding,” Timothy said. “And most people love the project. It’s been fantastic.”

© 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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