MacDonald’s project seeks to create 100 bronze masks of living relatives of First World War soldiers. Each mask tells a unique story and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the war. The project has resonated with many people, but without a proper exhibition space, it is difficult for MacDonald to bring his artistic vision to fruition.
“It’s like a chicken and the egg kind of thing because the final artistic vision has to come together, but unless you have a location for this, it’s hard to have something that you can move forward with,” MacDonald lamented. He expressed his hope that someone will step forward and provide a suitable location for the installation.
Ideally, MacDonald is looking for a visible and public space where people can engage with the masks and better understand the stories they represent. The location could be indoors or outdoors, and MacDonald has considered options such as displaying the masks along a trail or at a viewpoint. However, until a location is secured, the final orientation and design of the exhibition remain undecided.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the project’s location, MacDonald is targeting a date after July 1 to unveil his work. He emphasized that he is in no rush to finish because the war continued for two more years after the infamous Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. MacDonald wants his project to go beyond just commemorating this one event and shed light on the broader scope of the war’s impact.
“The story of the war doesn’t stop at that point,” MacDonald explained. “Beaumont-Hamel was a major component of the war, but there are many other important events that took place afterward.” MacDonald’s aim is to honor the soldiers who fought in the war as a whole, ensuring that their stories are properly recognized and remembered.
The level of interest and participation in MacDonald’s project has exceeded his expectations. Selecting only 100 participants was a difficult task due to the multitude of incredible stories shared with him. “When we started out, envisioning a hundred portraits of the Great War, I guess we didn’t expect to have [200-300] guests coming in to participate,” MacDonald revealed.
While waiting for a suitable exhibition space, MacDonald continues to work on other projects. Nevertheless, the bronze masks hold a special place in his heart due to the personal stories he has heard throughout the course of the project. They have transformed his perception of the war from a historical event in a book to a series of individual narratives, offering a unique perspective on the immense human toll and sacrifice involved.
MacDonald’s First World War bronze mask project is a beautiful tribute to the soldiers who fought bravely in the war. Through his skillful craftsmanship, he aims to bring their stories to life and ensure that their memory lives on. All that is left is to find the perfect location to showcase these profound and moving works of art.