On August 6 and 9, 1945, atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The blasts destroyed the cities and killed over 200,000 citizens. People were instantly vaporized.
As a way of remembering those who died in the bombings, the Shadow Project was begun in Portland, Oregon in 1983. The Shadow Project web site explains the purpose of the commemoration: "On August 6th, we draw chalk shadows on streets and sidewalks, remembering the human shadows burnt into the streets of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We do this so that on Hiroshima Day our neighbors will see these chalk outlines, and determine to never again cast nuclear shadows on the earth."
The Shadow Project is set up as an independent public art performance that welcomes the community to participate through creating simple chalk outlines to commemorate the lives lost in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the atomic bomb dropping.
As a way of remembering those who died in the bombings, the Shadow Project was begun in Portland, Oregon in 1983. The Shadow Project web site explains the purpose of the commemoration: "On August 6th, we draw chalk shadows on streets and sidewalks, remembering the human shadows burnt into the streets of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We do this so that on Hiroshima Day our neighbors will see these chalk outlines, and determine to never again cast nuclear shadows on the earth."
The Shadow Project is set up as an independent public art performance that welcomes the community to participate through creating simple chalk outlines to commemorate the lives lost in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the atomic bomb dropping.
How to Participate
Everyone can participate in the Shadow Project by creating shadow images in their window, sidewalk, driveway or streetscape. Ground or Wall Shadows 1. Use either a an actual person lying on the ground or create a shadow template by tracing a person's body lying down and cut out the shape. 2. Use either chalk or a cornstarch based "paint" to create the outline. For the cornstarch "paint": In a container mix equal amounts of cornstarch and water. Stir well. Add water to cornstarch and stir. 3. Use either chalk or the cornstarch mix and a paint brush to trace/ draw your shadow. If using the cornstarch mix, it may appear light when you are creating it, but when it drys it shows up well (but will wash away with the next rain). Window Shadows
1. Create shadow tempate by tracing a small person's body lying down, or enlarging a shadow image. 2. Cut out the shape. 3. Use the shadow shape as a tempate to create the image in the window, using tape, paint, or flour and water. |
North Bay Shadow Project 2020
Please share your images with us. Either post them as a comment on the North Bay Peace Alliance Facebook page, or send us a copy using this simple online form. Click HERE for the form. Past Events and Stories Human Shadow Etched in Stone Shadow Project, 2020, Oregon Shadow Project,2016, Hamilton Shadow Project, 1986, Montreal |