36 artists from 9 Alberta communities to be featured in the 2013 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art

Edmonton, AB (June 29/12) – The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is pleased to announce the names of the artists who have been selected for inclusion in the 2013 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, to be presented January 26 - May 5, 2013.

The artists are: Trevor Anderson, Edmonton; Kyle Armstrong, Edmonton; Elisabeth Belliveau, Grande Prairie; Richard Brown, Calgary; Eric Cameron, Calgary; Bruno Canadien, Black Diamond; Sherri Chaba, Edmonton; Chris Cran, Calgary; Alysha Creighton, Edmonton; Dave and Jenn, Calgary; Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby, Calgary; Mackenzie Frere, Calgary; Sarah Fuller, Banff; Jason de Haan and Miruna Dragan, Calgary; Faye HeavyShield, Standoff; David Hoffos, Lethbridge; Terrance Houle, Calgary; Gary James Joynes, Edmonton; Kristopher Karklin, Fort McMurray; Emily Luce, Lethbridge; Eric Moschopedis and Mia Rushton, Calgary; Robyn Moody, Calgary; Pamela Norrish, Calgary; Gabrielle Pare, Edmonton; Laura St. Pierre, Grande Prairie; Jewel Shaw, Red Deer; Taras Polataiko, Lethbridge; Larissa Tiggelers, Calgary; Laura Vickerson, Calgary; Jennifer Wanner, Calgary; Donna White, Calgary and Maria Whiteman, Edmonton.

Entitled The News from Here: The 2013 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art will explore the theme of post-regionalism in the context of Alberta art. According to guest-curator Nancy Tousley, Alberta artists, working in the second decade of the 21^st century, are forming their identities around the places they choose to live, work and travel—the idea of a single, dominant centre is no longer applicable as it is distant and divorced from their daily lives. They are now, more than ever, aware of the larger art world in which they participate. In this exhibition, the physical, societal and cultural geography of Alberta is felt in the works of art, both in the foreground and background of imagery, subject matter, content and critical issues.  Rather than a defensive regionalism, one finds in their work an acceptance and consideration of place.

The News from Here: The 2013 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art is curated by Alberta-based writer, critic and curator Nancy Tousley. Tousley reviewed over 200 portfolios and conducted 60 studio visits before selecting these 36 artists. The Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art brings national attention to Alberta’s art scene and promotes the province’s artists. Since its inception in 1996, the Alberta Biennial has featured the work of over 130 Alberta contemporary artists.

The News from Here: The 2013 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art is presented at the Art Gallery of Alberta by ATB Financial from January 26-May 5, 2013.