Isolation / Last Train to Cochrane, works by Cochrane artist Gunhild Hotte, July 8th to August 30th, 2015, Red Gallery.

The works focus on the isolation that the shutting down of the Northlander Train has created. It is a visual Requiem through a sharing of the experience of being on the last train to Cochrane. A part of this exhibition will include photographic documentation of my last train ride.

My project is important because of the catharsis it provides to all who take part in the process by viewing the results in my show. I believe we need to have a chance to get together, look at the visuals and documentation, and to talk about our loss, sharing our pain about the glory of the train that was a lifeline, always, especially on a long winter’s day.

My motivation to create this work is the personal excitement and sadness I felt that day. I had a need to create a body of work to share this experience with a wider audience. I know it is a means to connect, something tangible that can be seen; a means toward strengthen our Northern resolve, and the bonds of our commonality, during times that are rapidly changing.

Gunhild Hotte