Avril Lopez: Made-Up Orchard

×

Expand

Avril Lopez, "Made-Up Orchard," 2019

installation view

Enter a magical make-believe world where different visual narrations grow together like trees. This exhibition explores the use of creativity as a healing process, and uses pretend-play to bring to light issues related to childhood and memory.

From Avril: "Made-up Orchard is a mischievous installation that uses different mediums and techniques such as; large scale drawings, variable sized fabric sculptures, experimental costumes, and a video installation. The exhibition addresses concepts like the use of creativity as a healing process and the notion of pretend play. Therefore, through the development of imaginary worlds, I seek to create a community engagement where together we can connect, and address issues related to childhood, memory, and human relationships." 

Avril Lopez moved from her hometown of Morelia, Michoacán, in Mexico to Calgary two years ago for educational purposes. She completed her Master’s in Fine Arts at the University of Calgary last September. During the second year of her MFA studies, she became a Gallery Coordinator at the Art Department. During these last two years, she explored working with various mediums such as fabrics, video/performance, drawing, and installation. 

As an emering visual artist, Avril discovers a fascinating connection between making art and the process of healing, “creative self-therapy”. She hopes that with this exploration she can offer an opportunity for her community to engage in a broader conversation about the significance of childhood memories and mental health.