September 14 to November 8 | Large Gallery
Painting Alberta tells stories about our province, place together they document Alberta’s history. From Taber’s Opera House which burned to the ground after a Christmas dance in 1911 to the Nose Hill Park Medicine Wheel, a gift from the Blackfoot Nations to Calgarians in 2015. These stories are presented alongside the exhibit, as they are a vital part of the project. Each painting has a number inscribed on the canvas’ edge corresponding to a printed or/and digital inventory. As well, the viewer will be able to listen to some stories through audio capsules. These audio capsules will be available from QR codes installed next to the selected paintings.
"Painting Alberta is an installation of three hundred and sixty acrylic paintings that pays tribute to Alberta, my adopted province."
It is based on outdoor photographs of urban and nature scenes, from personal and public photos, from across the province. At first sight, we have the feeling of unity, an assembly of small windows with a view. Then, a painting captures our attention, another one touches us, like a puzzle where each piece is precious. The project is made of a forest of images with trails, roads and detours, highlighting our common ground, the land of Alberta.
In 2022, Painting Alberta was exhibited at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre. The public reaction to the project was overwhelmingly positive. They discovered stories and shared their stories. They gained by attending the exhibit a further look into the province through a different lens. One visitor commented, “This project is a gift”.