Cameron Fraser
Title: “Girl in a Wetsuit Masks Up”
Medium: Digital Illustration
“Girl in a Wetsuit Masks Up” represents my “of the moment” reaction to the highly publicised Third Beach Party during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in Vancouver, Canada.
The “Girl in a Wetsuit” statue by Elek Imredy is the perfect embodiment of the guidance and directives of our provincial and federal health authorities as we try and navigate our way through this new normal; Be a responsible member of the community, enjoy a hazy summer sunset, but do so safely and keep your distance. “Girl in a Wetsuit Masks Up” is a playful take further embodying the guidance of Dr. Bonnie Henry and her mantra of “Few Faces and Open Spaces".
Masks have become a highly politicized debate, which to this Canadian who believes in fact-based science, seems illogical. “Girl in a Wetsuit Masks Up” is a metaphor of my experience during the Pandemic to date. I have been keeping physically distant, following the health guidelines out of respect for those around me, looking on in surprise and disappointment at those who choose to make their own rules, and those who ignore the facts before us.
The inclusion of these elements - donning a blue surgical mask, the figure's posture facing the direction of Third Beach, and the geese swimming in the opposite direction, are indicative of the predominant reaction witnessed in my immediate bubble - mitigate the risk by masking up or moving on. This is the direct antithesis to the behaviour demonstrated at the Third Beach gathering.
Finally, within the starscape, are constellations that you can see “of the moment” as the year progresses in Vancouver. Casseopia, The Big Dipper, The Little Dipper, and Orion’s Belt are all visible from Vancouver at different times of the year. I find the summer months on the waterfront to be best for stargazing as the hot summer nights provide the perfect environment to see the stars in Vancouver.
Cameron Fraser is a multidisciplinary artist with an extensive background in performing and visual arts, spanning over two decades. He holds a BFA in Theatre from UVIC and is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada, UBCP Actra, a Guinness World Record Holder and has been recognized by both the Canada Council for the Arts and the BC Arts Council. He has produced, workshopped, performed in and designed projections, sets, puppets, props, and/or assisted on a local, national and international level for such companies as Les Sept Doigts, Disney/Universal, V’ni Dansi, Vancouver Opera, PRP Inc, Green Thumb Theatre, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, The Confederation Centre for the Arts, Kentucky Opera, Boca Del
Lupo, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Theatre Under the Stars, The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, CircusWest, Pi Theatre, The Chop Theatre, Theatre Calgary/Western Canada Theatre, Vertigo Theatre/The Arts Club, Horseshoes & Handgrenades, Talk is Free Theatre, The Underground Circus, TEDXVictoria, as well as for a variety of corporate clients, including Volvo, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA), Cruise Line Industry Association, The Investment Planning Counsel, Colours & Shapes Festival, BlendFest and more.
Website: https://escapistentertain.wixsite.com/escapistent Date of Completion: August 8, 2020
Instagram: @escapistentertainment @krash8789 Facebook: Facebook.com/escapistentertainment