A portrait of Canada’s technological past captured in new photography exhibit at York University

The budding of the information age in Canada is captured in an engaging new photography exhibit at York University. The Portraits of Digital Canada exhibit features a selection of portraits from the IBM Images Archive. The exhibit, which will be on display in the Scott Library at York University’s Keele Campus, opens on Wednesday, April 24 with a special event at 4 p.m.

The cover of the exhibit catalogue. Image courtesy of the exhibit organizers

Curated by Lassonde University Professor Zbigniew Stachniak, who is also the curator of York University’s Computer Museum, the Portraits of Digital Canada exhibit features work by the award-winning photographer George Dunbar. The featured works offer an unexpected glimpse into the history of Canada’s digital awakening and features remarkable portraits of the pioneers and innovators who made, installed and operated computers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony will be York University’s Dean of Libraries, Joy Kirchner; David Robitaille, executive director of innovation, citizenship and government affairs at IBM Canada; and Stachniak, the exhibit’s curator.

The IBM Images Archive was donated to the York University Libraries by IBM Canada and will become part of the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections located in the Scott Library. It is the objective of this exhibit to showcase these remarkable photographs for all to see. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Portraits of Digital Canada is located on the main floor of the Scott Library. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 11 p.m.

To learn more about the Portraits of Digital Canada exhibit, visit the online catalogue here.