May 2 – June 14, 2025
Not Alone As Such
The Main Gallery
Opening Reception for Members and Guests: Friday May 2nd, 7 -10 pm
Free admission
Not Alone As Such is an exhibition that highlights themes of resilience, identity, culture, community, hope, perseverance, and strength for survival and collective progress as we navigate the harsh realities of life-altering situations. The works seek to remind us that we all partake in a shared humanity that equalizes us irrespective of race, culture, identity, religion, or geographical location. This exhibition features a series of large-scale, mixed-media paintings that seamlessly blend acrylic paint media, collaged African print fabrics, yarn on aso-oke fabric and are vibrant, texturally rich, with loops of yarn that extend beyond the canvas edges. Blurring the boundaries between painting, textile, and sculpture, the pieces call for deep engagement through their visual presence and intricate layering of materials. Suspended from the ceiling, installed at eye level and positioned two to three feet from the wall, this spatial arrangement creates subtle motion and shifting shadows, fostering an atmosphere that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Warm lighting enhances the depth and drama of the works, further reinforcing their evocative nature. Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to having an interactive experience as they engage with the artworks. Through its bold compositions and layered narratives, Not Alone As Such invites viewers to recognize our shared human experiences, foster dialogue, encourage connections in an increasingly fragmented world, and remind us that we are not alone as such.
Artist’s Biography
Diana Ohiozebau was born in Leeds, England, and raised in Nigeria. She is a mixed-media artist based in Edmonton. Drawing deeply from her African heritage, she creates compelling artworks that explore identity, culture, and personal narratives. Ohiozebau uses a combination of diverse materials in her work, including African prints (Dutch wax fabrics), natural and synthetic textiles, yarn, and acrylics. Blending painting with textile art, her pieces transcend traditional boundaries, and stride as paintings, textiles and sculptural forms. She has had exhibitions in prominent galleries in Nigeria, Saskatchewan, and Alberta with insightful artist talks that deepen viewer’s engagement with her creative process and themes. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), from Ambrose Ali University, Nigeria, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and a Master of Art (MA) both from the University of Alberta, Ohiozebau brings a wealth of academic and artistic knowledge to her practice. She continues to explore materials and techniques in her studio practice through experimentation with diverse textiles in ways that deepen and push the boundaries of her artistic and visual language.
Not Alone As Such is supported by the Edmonton Arts Council and the City of Edmonton and by an Explore and Create Grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Top Image: All In This Together I, 2021, acrylics, Dutch wax fabrics, yarn and Aso-Oke fabric
Courtesy of the artist
