James Williams
Steeltown
April 25–May 25, 1997

Steeltown is an ongoing exploration and documentation of steel making and related industries and the demise of the industry’s presence in our region.

The project consists of an exhibition of 7 ft. by 9 ft. photo montage portraits and 14 by 17 inch, unmatted, black framed, black and white portraits of workers in their work environments. The works are placed in conjunction with audio tapes consisting of interviews and testimonies of employers, employees and union representatives. What emerges in this work are questions about the economy and employment as they relate to identity and environment.

The timing of this exhibition is in conjunction with the Workers Memorial Day (April 28). A modest publication is planned in collaboration with several labour groups in the community.