A project initiated by artists
Michael Alstad + Leah Lazariuk, pixelgrain is an online repository
of documents and ideas linked to the fading symbol of the Canadian
prairie grain elevator. By systematically documenting and mapping
these disappearing structures the artists portray a parallel rural
community in the midst of transition. pixelgrain also functions
as a web portal that utilises Geographic Information Systems and
online social networks to create a participatory collaborative document
that will evolve and grow over time.
Once hailed by French architect Le Corbusier for their 'stark simplicity
and unadorned geometric shape as the ultimate example in architecture
of form following function', prairie grain elevators are an important
aspect of the social history, visual landscape and architectural
heritage of Canada. In the rush to consolidate and intensify agricultural
output to meet targets set by an increasingly globalised industry,
the traditional prairie elevator - which represents small-scale
community and family farms and is rooted in Canada's cooperative
movement, labour and credit unions - is rapidly disappearing. Large
concrete terminals are replacing the wooden elevators and less than
10 percent remain standing today.
There are several ways to navigate through the material on pixelgrain:
- view interviews by chapters on the video
page
- view geotagged videos and pics on google
maps or google earth
- view the flickr group
map of geotagged elevator pics
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