A new exhibit featuring the works of 12 Alberta artists will be on display at the Royal Alberta Museum starting this month.
“Here & Now” tackles themes of identity, dis/ability, female strength, and human impacts on the land through paintings, prints, fibre and sculptures.
The exhibition will be on display inside a custom-designed space inside the Human History Hall.
“The powerful images featured in ‘Here & Now’ explore complex themes that provide visitors the space to contemplate new perspectives,” said Meaghan Patterson, the executive director of the Royal Alberta Museum. “Through partnerships like this Albertans can create connections that strengthen our vibrant communities.”
“It’s an honour for me to have my work on display here at the Royal Alberta Museum,” said Edmonton artist AJA Louden, who is known for his murals that cover walls around the city.
The exhibit will include a portrait from Louden’s “Like Me” series.
“This exhibit really features the skill and ‘breath of talent’ of Alberta artists,” Louden added. “To see contemporary art by living artists, in a space dedicated to it, is really amazing.”
The works of art have recently been acquired by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) and join the more than 1,700 Albertans represented in the AFA Art Collection, which is the biggest and only public art collection dedicated to Alberta art.
“This is an example of how artists can reveal the rich and diverse stories that define our province,” said Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir. “Each piece offers a poignant reflection of Alberta’s unique cultural heritage.”
“Here & Now” runs April 17 to Sept. 29.