Exhibition Info
HOMESTEADING ALBERTA
Homesteaders in Alberta came from all over Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Homesteads were usually quarter sections of land (160 acres) granted by the federal government to immigrants wanting to start a new life in Canada working on the land. In Alberta, many of these immigrants were originally from Eastern European countries, such as Romania and Ukraine. Featured in this exhibition are two artists whose images represent the life of the homesteader in early-20th century Alberta, focusing on two major aspects – country life and religious life.
Orest Semchsien was born in Mundare, Alberta in 1932 and is of Ukrainian ancestry. In the 1970s, he undertook a project to photographically document the Byzantine churches of Alberta. He has received wide acclaim for the insights that he provides into the daily life and places of worship of everyday Albertans. His images are simple, sensitive and beautiful and impart a sense of peace and contemplation to the viewer.
Doris Zaharichuk was born in Willingdon, Alberta in 1934 and is of Romanian ancestry. She didn’t begin painting until the mid-1970s when her husband passed away and she took a painting course at the Edmonton Art gallery (now the AGA). She wanted to paint pictures of her past memories, creating a record for future generations. Her charming oil paintings depict life on the farm as well as the thriving and supportive community that she grew up in. They provide a warm contrast to the stark beauty of Semchishen’s images.
The exhibition also includes paintings and photographs by Illingworth Kerr, Raymond Van Nes and Daphne Stankievech.
Homesteading Alberta was curated by Carolien Loewen, Manager/Curator, Alberta Scoiety of Artists, Region 3 of the AFA Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX).
