March 13 – April 25, 2026
Reality to Virtual Reality
Celebrating 120 Years of Abstract Art: 1906-2026
The Haakonson Family Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday March 13th, 7 – 9 pm
Free admission
Artists have a symbiotic relationship with the materials with which they work. The technological advancements of the 20th century, combined with the creative nature of artists, have resulted in a diversity of art forms that are unparalleled in human history. I believe that the most significant developments of the century are the invention of acrylic paint and digital technology.
The exhibit, to be presented in the Haakonson Family Gallery, is based on two considerations. Firstly, how is the subject matter of the artwork affected by technological developments? Secondly, how do the new art forms embody the continuity (evolution) of imagery. This multi-media exhibit will feature three acrylic paintings based on organic forms, one Digital Abstraction (video) and a Virtual Reality (VR) experience.
The works will exemplify the transfer of visual content from one medium to another. The abstract colour elements of the paintings are extracted, manipulated and partnered with an assortment of objects and materials that come alive in the videos. The video is manipulated and transformed into an immersive artform, which can only be viewed in a VR headset. A Meta Quest 3 headset will be used for this experience.
The paintings and videos offer a traditional viewing experience. They are both familiar art forms and viewable by several people at one time. The VR experience is a new visual art form which is presented in a totally immersive environment. It offers a unique experience only viewable by one person at a time.
Artist’s Biography
Giuseppe Albi was born in Italy. He attended the Alberta College of Art in Calgary and L’Ecole des Beaux Arts Montréal and moved to Europe in 1970. He exhibited at KES Mosaics Gallery in Edinburgh and at Galerie de Sphinx in Amsterdam.
In 1974 he returned to Edmonton and has had solo exhibits at the Art Gallery of Alberta, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, in Vancouver, Amelia Douglas Gallery, New Westminster, BC along with Galerie Woltjen, Woltjen/Udell Gallery, Peter Robertson and Scott Gallery in Edmonton. His videos Digital Abstractions were displayed at the 2023 Works Festival. Albi launched his VR experiences at the Works in 2024 and participated at the 2025 KDays.
He has exhibited in many group exhibits including the 2002 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art at the Edmonton Art Gallery and the Nickle Museum in Calgary AB. In 2012, his work was included in 7 Years in the City, Art from the AGA Collection. Albi was included in an exhibit at the Community Gallery of Earlville Opera House, NY.
Albi’s paintings are in both public and private collections. In 2007, he won the competition to produce The Italian-Alberta Centennial Monument, which is located on the Alberta Legislature grounds in Edmonton. He was also presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his career as a visual artist in 2012.
Top Image: Colour Foils (detail) 2025; video still.
Courtesy of the artist
*Opening Recetions are for Members and Guests
