How can artists and designers create more multisensory experiences? OCADU Graduate Students in response to an Inclusive Design Multisensory Museum Course share their co-creative process of translating artworks in the AGO collection into multisensory objects. Students explore a wide variety of techniques to create an inclusive gallery experience in a series of Multisensory Museum Moments.

West Coast Sunset, Vancouver (1926) was painted by Canadian Group of Seven artist Frederick Horsman Varley. Varley was deeply influenced by the beauty of British Columbia which took him on an emotional journey that had a lasting effect on his art. In this multisensory interpretation, visitors can expect an immersive experience focusing on the dynamic scenery and natural soundscapes of coastal British Columbia. Using the physical world to describe the artwork, viewers are given the space to explore memories associated with being at the water’s edge. 

This interpretation draws on the artworks deep connection to the land, and it is important to acknowledge that the original artwork and subsequent interpretation were produced on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Christine Woolley (she/her) is a Vancouver-based art director, communications designer, and CGD Certified Member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada. Christine is pursuing a Master of Design in Inclusive Design at OCAD University (2022) where she will explore the role of design in equitable access to public information. http://www.multisensory-varley.ca/ 

Closed captioning is available in this recording.

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