Biophilia theme of Trianon exhibit

By Lethbridge Herald on October 12, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad April Matisz shows off one of her pieces named Blue Rose which is part of her exhibition "Biophilia" being showcased at Trianon Gallery today until Jan. 4.

Alexandra Noad
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Biophilia can be described as a desire or tendency to commune with nature. This is the theme of April Matisz’s exhibit being held at the Trianon Gallery in downtown Lethbridge.

Through her work with oil paintings, collages, and drawings Matisz hopes to instill imagination and connectedness to nature through her work.

“Sometimes I imagine what it might be like to be a vine that’s sort of sensing or a worm bumping into a seed pod. The show also explores not just a curiosity, fascination and love of nature and our environment, but also how we are embedded in it and the way humans are really apart of this natural world,” said Matisz.

Art has always been a part of Matisz’ life. Her mother was a painter so even as a young girl there were always supplies and project around her. When she grew up, she decided to chase the passion and perused art and biology in university.

She most recently graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design and will be teaching a drawing class at the University of Lethbridge beginning of January, 2025.

Matisz has had her work collected by the Alberta Foundation of the Arts and will be inducted into the University of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society on Oct. 18.

Both art and nature have profound impacts on Matisz life. Both things she believes can expand human minds.

“Humans are always wanting to learn new things and have novel experiences and I think we can have those experiences, not just through art but also through our experience of considering our natural environment,” said Matisz.

Matisz added that while many experiences can cost money, being in nature isn’t one of those. However, it does require us to be present in the moment.

There will be a grand opening of the exhibit today at 8 p.m. at the Trianon Gallery located next to Taro Noodle House. The exhibit will run until Jan. 4, 2025.

The exhibit is free to attend by appointment with complimentary tours from the artist. All pieces will be available for purchase.

To book an appointment to view the exhibit call or text 403-795-8782 or 403-381-8888.