Julya Hajnoczky: Refugium

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Julya Hajnoczky, "Cladonia chlorophaea," 2020

archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag 308gsm, 30" x 36”

Refugium presents photographs and sculptures that highlight the consequences of industrial human civilization: catastrophic habitat fragmentation and species loss. Hajnoczky’s photographs feature floating islands of plants, fungus and insects that are suspended in a void. The works direct our gaze to the overlooked life found at our feet.

While creating her works, Julya spends time immersed in Western Canadian landscapes, getting to know the different species and how they interact. The printed photos are large, bringing the tiny plants to a human scale. Hajnoczky dramatically showcases these beautiful communities of life, making them impossible to ignore.

“I want to inspire wonder at the small, often overlooked details of the natural world, to encourage the viewer to consider their roles and responsibilities as members of the ecosystem that sustains us,” Hajnoczky says.

As well as the photographs, the exhibition features two groups of sculptures. Small photographic lightboxes pop up in clusters on the gallery floor, with a group of sculptural magnifying glasses in the centre. The closeup views allow us to see details of the local landscape that we have never noticed before, while being reminded of what is being lost in habitats that are being eroded for human use.

“We are excited to bring the community this stunning exhibition,” says Emily Baker, Curator of the Art Gallery of St. Albert. “We encourage art and science lovers of every age to experience this dramatic and awe-inspiring collection.”

Exhibition special events:

• Virtual artist talk: February 17 at 7:00pm

• In-person tours with curator: February 11 and March 1 at noon

• Virtual tours with curator: February 15 and 24 at noon

Registrations can be made via Eventbrite at artgalleryofstalbert.ca.

PLEASE NOTE: As part of the Restriction Exemption Program, proof of vaccination, medical exemption or a negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of visiting is required to access the Gallery. Visit the Gallery’s COVID website page for details. The Gallery’s COVID-19 protocols compliment government regulations to provide a safe space for families to visit.