An Edmonton photographer is using her lens to celebrate and preserve the rich life stories of the city's senior citizens. Magdalena Barry, through her poignant portrait series titled Timeless Tales by Mag, is creating a lasting legacy for older adults, one photograph at a time.
Preserving Stories Through the Lens
The project, which saw Barry photographing 95-year-old Del Dilkie on December 16, 2025, aims to do more than just capture a likeness. Each session is an intimate opportunity to document the experiences, wisdom, and character of its subjects. Barry's approach goes beyond traditional portraiture, focusing on creating a visual narrative that honors the individual's journey.
This initiative highlights a growing movement to value and archive the personal histories of older generations, often overlooked in fast-paced modern media. For the seniors involved, it is a chance to be seen and heard, to have their presence and contributions acknowledged in a tangible, artistic form.
A Personal Connection to Community
While the national news cycle on that December day covered topics from postal service negotiations to weather-related tragedies, Barry's work represents the powerful, hyper-local stories that define a community's heart. Her project is a quiet but significant act of cultural preservation right in Edmonton.
The portraits serve as historical documents for families and the community at large. They ensure that the faces and stories of these individuals are not forgotten, providing future generations with a direct, personal connection to the past. In a digital age, these physical or digitally preserved images become priceless heirlooms.
The Impact of 'Timeless Tales'
Projects like Timeless Tales by Mag have a profound impact on both the subjects and the broader community. For seniors, the experience can be affirming and joyful, combating feelings of isolation or invisibility. For the photographer and viewers, it is a lesson in history, resilience, and the diverse tapestry of human life contained within one city.
Barry's work underscores the importance of intergenerational connection and the role of local artists in strengthening community bonds. By dedicating her time and talent to this demographic, she is fostering a greater appreciation for Edmonton's elders and the invaluable stories they carry.
As the series continues, it promises to build an invaluable archive of Edmonton's living history, proving that every person has a story worth telling and a legacy worth capturing.
