Through a different lens: Artist in residence challenges Olds High students to think deeper about images

An artist residency at École Olds High School (EOHS) has students thinking more deeply about images and about diverse perspectives. Santosh Korthiwada, a photography artist known for “capturing the essence of fleeting moments”, was at the school working with students in art classes 
and also social studies and English classes from February 23 to March 6. 

“It was a great experience to host Santosh for the past two weeks,” says Jana Kemmere, Vice Principal, EOHS. “Santosh shared how art, specifically photography, helps us stop and pause in 
a world that is very busy.”

Kemmere, who also teaches English, says this message is especially important for students in today’s digital world. “Art helps us reflect on our thoughts and interpretations without coming to a definitive answer; because of this, we practice our critical and creative thinking skills,” says Kemmere.“With the constant ability to have access to instantaneous information, we get used to looking something up and finding the answer, but art challenges us to have a discussion without there being a solution.”

Bev Toews, an Academic Coach at EOHS, says the school was able to participate in the residency thanks to an Alberta Ethnocultural Grant which the school applied for jointly with the Mountain View Moccasin House Society.

She says the grant is “intended to support community initiatives, increase cultural and cross cultural awareness, and to educate Albertans to prevent and address racism.”  

Toews says she was excited to have Korthiwada come to the school not only because of his artwork and message, but because “it’s important for students to meet and talk with people with different backgrounds and perspectives. When we get to know each other, prejudices can be replaced by understanding and acceptance, which leads to a more peaceful environment.” 

EOHS art teacher, Renu Mathew, who also helped to arrange the residency, says, “It was exciting to have a working artist here to discuss his process and inspiration.”

“Santosh’s work with photo collages, and capturing real people and objects and putting them in a surreal environment to create art, is unique,” says Mathew.

“In a digital age, and with the availability of phones, photography is a universal medium. Images tell us more than words can express. It’s good that students understand the meaning of an image, and come to understand why they might interpret images the way they do,” says Mathew.

Grade 11 student Anna G. interacted with Korthiwada in art class. “Looking at his work opened me up to a different style of art, specifically the digital side of it. I loved seeing images of his culture and how he pulls it all together. His work is vibrant, and full of life.” 

Grade 12 student, Evann S., says she enjoyed the presentation in her English class because it made her think more deeply about imagery. “He definitely has me thinking more about the ‘why’ of photos.” 

“I especially loved our discussion about the use of colour,” says Evann. She recalls Korthiwada saying that uses more black and white photos in India to calm down the colours. In Canada he uses colour because he misses the colours of India. Evann also says the presentation made her think about “being present in the moment.” 

Evann says, “The artist talked about being at the Taj Mahal and how so many people were taking photos, but how he wanted to live in the moment. He said memories are made when you live life, and how important it is to find the beauty in the world. I liked that.”

“I have loved being at Ecole Olds High School,” says Korthiwada. “I appreciate how curious this younger generation is. I hope I have helped students consider the impact of visual storytelling. I hope they see how heritage, family and history comes out in artwork; that symbols, where we were raised, and the impact of our families all influence an artist’s process.” 

Korthiwada says he enjoyed being in art classes, and also had the opportunity to share his presentation with English and social studies classes. He wanted students to understand how  to “deconstruct an image to find meaning, because so much of the impact of imagery is how it is interpreted.”  

“I hope students come out of this with a mindframe that helps them consider art in a deeper way, analyzing it from multiple perspectives and with an open mind. I hope our time together generates more curiosity,” says Korthiwada.

Kemmere says she was impressed that Korthiwada took the time to connect with individual students and provide feedback and encouragement to them. For example, she observed Korthiwada engaging with a student about photographs he had taken. Korthiwada told the student he was good at capturing beautiful items, and challenged him to take pictures of ordinary items and make them beautiful.

"Santosh left an impression with students that will help them view the world through a different lens,” says Kemmere.