Artist Caroline Clarke Commemorates WWI Ties on Turkey Pilgrimage

An artist from St. John’s, Newfoundland, recently participated in a significant pilgrimage to Turkey, commemorating the historical ties between Canada and the region dating back to the First World War. Caroline Clarke served as the inaugural artist-in-residence for the 2025 Trail of The Caribou – Gallipoli Pilgrimage, which took place in November. Clarke described the experience as an incredible honor, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage with such a profound piece of history.

Clarke, an illustrator known for her versatility across various mediums, utilized her trip as a platform to showcase her artistic practice. She specializes in reportage illustration, a technique that gained prominence during World War I when photography was not widely available. As Clarke explained, “Artists were commissioned by the government or sometimes went on their own to visually document what they experienced.” This tradition of capturing historical events through art resonated deeply with her during the pilgrimage.

Emotional Impact of the Journey

The pilgrimage was not only an artistic endeavor for Clarke but also a deeply emotional journey. Prior to her trip, she had spent the summer capturing scenes from the 2025 Canada Summer Games with the Group of 77, a long-standing non-profit organization. “There isn’t a lot of opportunity to do bona fide reportage illustration generally,” she noted, emphasizing the rarity of such experiences. The pilgrimage to Turkey, steeped in history, offered her a unique chance to contribute to this narrative.

Standing in the landscapes where battles were fought profoundly affected Clarke. “When you’re actually standing in no man’s land — or what was no-man’s land — it really impacts you,” she reflected. Although the terrain has significantly changed since World War I, with olive trees and farmland now dominating the area, the historical significance remains palpable. “All the tree lines were where the trenches were,” she added, highlighting the contrast between the serene present and the tumultuous past.

A Lasting Legacy

The experience has fundamentally altered Clarke’s perception of remembrance. “Remembrance Day has a whole different meaning for me now, for sure,” she stated, indicating that the journey has left a lasting imprint on her understanding of history and its implications. Through her artwork, she aims to communicate the emotional weight of these historical events. “Art is such a great way to communicate ideas or emotions that sometimes are hard to tell,” Clarke remarked.

Her reflections underscore a crucial aspect of the pilgrimage: the shared humanity of those who lived through the conflict. “These were just people on both sides,” she concluded, reinforcing the emotional depth of her artistic mission. Clarke’s journey not only commemorates the past but also serves as a reminder of the stories that continue to resonate today.

As she moves forward, Clarke plans to use her art to bridge the gap between history and contemporary audiences, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past remain relevant in today’s world.