The Surrey Art Gallery in British Columbia is presenting a new exhibition titled "In the Shadow of the Pavilions: Expo 86 and Contemporary Art," running from April 18 to June 7, 2026. The show features over 50 artists, including a project by Michael de Courcy who took 1,700 photos of Expo 86 visitors, and works by Henri Robideau, a self-described 'Gianthropologist' who photographed giant roadside attractions across Canada in the 1980s.
This exhibition matters because it revisits Expo 86, a landmark world's fair held in Vancouver, through a contemporary art lens, offering a critical and nostalgic reflection on a pivotal moment in the city's history. By bringing together diverse artistic responses, the show highlights how large-scale public events shape cultural memory and urban identity, while also showcasing local and regional artistic talent.