Aeris Osborne | Alberta Old Buildings With Augmented Reality Experience

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Aeris Osborne, “Alberta Old Buildings With Augmented Reality Experience,” no date

(courtesy of the Artist)

Opening Reception: July 5th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 p.m.

Alberta Old Buildings with AR (Augmented Reality) Experience 

This exhibit aims to combine Alberta's heritage, art, and nature while promoting part of Alberta’s history and various historical architectural styles. Osborne’s project received the 2021-2022 Alberta Artist-in-Residence/Art Ambassador appointment from the Government of Alberta. She selected 10 Historical buildings across Alberta from hamlets to cities, including hotels, dwelling residences, government buildings, museums, railway station, and heritage sites that represent Alberta's local history and display various architectural styles. These historical buildings were selected for paintings based on their historical value, function, characteristics, and architectural styles. The buildings were built between the 1880s to 1920s, and locations were selected strategically from northern, central, and southern Alberta regions that represent Alberta history from past to present. Red Deer’s Cronquist House is one of the buildings highlighted.

The AR (Augmented Reality) element of the exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to learn and understand more about the subjects of the paintings. Using the Artivive App, viewers can interact with each artwork to watch as the painting was created, view photos of the interiors and exteriors of each historical building, and more.

Artist’s Statement:

How do you view Alberta Old Buildings? What do you feel when you pass by them each time? Have you ever thought about the importance of heritage preservation? Any reflective memory between you and those old buildings and locations? Alberta Old Buildings have been witnesses to the transformation of our society for more than a century, they are not only landmarks but also like a living record to capture Alberta culture, craftsmanship, architecture, and knowledge. This project turns Alberta Old buildings into modern impressionist paintings and creates a portal to connect the Past (Alberta Old buildings), Present (my paintings), and Future (the viewers) that can emphasize the importance of protecting and preserving the beauty of Alberta heritage and arts.

I have been traveling to Alberta since 2005. Despite the stunning majestic Rocky Mountains and vast sky, I was intrigued by the various rustic styles of buildings to stand alone in harmony with the surrounding environment. Comparing my hometown Hong Kong with more than 7,800 high-rises, the city soars above all. Away from HK's prosperity hustle and bustle, Alberta’s historical buildings, like still water, represent peace and harmony that I am yearning for along with other travelers.

About the Artist:

Aeris is a self-taught visual artist and a Hong Kong-Canadian immigrant who moved to Edmonton, AB, Canada in 2007 and has been painting for over a decade. Starting a new life in Edmonton offered a change in living environment, landscapes, and nature which moved her to use visual mediums to interpret her observations and express her unique vision. She enjoys exploring various mediums using bold and vivid colors in acrylic, ethereal mood in watercolor, and black and white ink pen drawing. Most of her creations are inspired by the beauty of the Canadian landscape, animals, streetscapes, and architecture. Aeris hopes that, in her paintings, you can find her inner peacefulness, joyfulness, and uniqueness.

Aeris was the 2021-2022 Alberta Artist In Residence / Art Ambassador appointed by the Government of Alberta with the project “Alberta Old Buildings”. Her previous “YEG Old Houses” was awarded a 2022 art grant from Canada Council For The Art and she won two Open Art Competitions with the Allied Art Council Spruce Grove.

First Friday, July 5th: Gallery hours 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Artist’s Talk 6:30 p.m

First Friday, August 2nd : Gallery hours 8:00 am – 8:00 pm