The Project
Starting in September 2024, Calgary Arts Development is partnering with the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) for the Open Spaces program, aimed at fostering artist development and increasing the visibility of newcomer artists in Calgary. This year-long partnership will see a rotation of different artists and exhibits in two window galleries located downtown.
Since 2009, the Open Spaces program has provided exhibition space to local and regional artists while enlivening the Centre Street LRT platform on 7 Ave. between Centre Street and 1 St. SE. Two large display windows on the exterior of the Telus Convention Centre are updated with new exhibits regularly throughout the year.
Current Exhibitions
West Window Space
Contours of Emotion: Reflections on the Human Experience
Artist: Alexander Akhere Oriaifo
My art is driven by an obsession with detail, texture, and realism. Using charcoal and graphite, I create hyper-realistic portraits and still-life drawings that explore the intricate beauty found in everyday moments and objects. I am fascinated by the challenge of capturing life as authentically as possible, transforming simple subjects into powerful visual narratives.
The human face is a central focus in my work. I am captivated by the subtle emotions and stories that can be conveyed through a single expression or a delicate shift in light. My goal is to breathe life into my drawings, allowing each portrait to evoke a sense of presence, as if the subject is stepping out of the paper. I often work with live models or detailed reference photographs to ensure I capture the exact nuances of skin texture, hair, and the depth of the eyes.
Charcoal and graphite allow me to achieve the level of precision and contrast that hyper- realism demands. I appreciate the versatility of these mediums — the softness of graphite for fine details and the rich, deep blacks of charcoal for shadow work. Layer by layer, I build the image, meticulously rendering every wrinkle, pore and reflection to mirror reality as closely as possible.
Through my work, I aim to slow down the viewer’s experience, encouraging them to appreciate the finer details that often go unnoticed in daily life. Whether it’s the delicate folds of fabric, the weathered lines on an elderly face, or the gleam of light on a glass bottle, my drawings celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Alexander Akhere Oriaifo is a hyperrealist artist born in Nigeria and based in Calgary, who started drawing in 2018. He trained as an optometrist before moving to Canada and pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
Alexander’s passion for art led him to pursue hyperrealism using charcoal and graphite. His work is driven by an obsession with detail, texture, and realism, capturing the intricate beauty of everyday moments and objects. His work has been exhibited in both Nigeria and Canada, reflecting his growing influence in the hyperrealism movement.
East Window Space
Vibrant Paper Journey
Artist: Karine Nazaryan
My artwork explores the merging of movement and colour through the traditional craft of quilling. Each piece of paper is meticulously rolled, shaped and placed to evoke the layered depth of natural forms, particularly inspired by the organic patterns found in flowers and leaves. The bold, swirling shapes mimic the harmony and chaos of nature, while the rich colour palette is intended to capture the vibrancy and energy of life.
This piece challenges the perception of paper as a delicate and fragile medium, instead presenting it as a material of strength and versatility. By combining traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, the work invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between texture, form and vibrancy. Each layer, though simple on its own, contributes to the larger, intricate whole — much like the interactions of elements in the natural world. I hope this piece can stimulate both visual and emotional responses, encouraging observers to immerse themselves in the intricate details and explore the endless possibilities that paper art can offer.
Born in Armenia and currently residing in Canada, Karine Nazaryan is a passionate paper artist who has been creating vibrant, three-dimensional works since 2020. She is a talented paper artist and graphic designer with an education from (Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) in Canada. With a background rich in cultural heritage and a love for bold colours, her art blends intricate craftsmanship with a dynamic use of form and texture. Specializing in paper quilling, collage and cut-out techniques, Karine brings to life imaginative worlds where each piece bursts with energy and depth.
Her journey into paper art began to explore the versatility of the medium and quickly evolved into a signature style that merges fine detail with a playful, whimsical aesthetic. Every creation is a testament to the artist’s fascination with the tactile quality of paper, layering it into complex, sculptural forms that invite the viewer to engage with the work from multiple angles.
Since moving to Canada, Karine has drawn inspiration from both her Armenian roots and the vibrant landscapes of her new surroundings. Her pieces are often described as joyful and uplifting, with a bold colour palette that reflects her optimistic outlook on life and the natural world. Through her art, Karine aims to evoke wonder and curiosity, celebrating beauty in both the simple and the intricate.
The Open Spaces Program
The Open Spaces: Windows to a View program provides exhibition space to local and regional artists while enlivening the Centre Street LRT platform. From 2023 to 2025, the Calgary Arts Development Open Spaces program will be partnering with different organizations who work with underserved artists in Calgary.
Established in January 2019, the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) is committed to advancing the careers of immigrant and newcomer arts professionals. Functioning as a pivotal resource for networking and opportunities, ICAI facilitates a smooth transition for immigrant and newcomer arts professionals, nurturing their ongoing professional development in Alberta. As a dedicated non-profit organization, ICAI fosters a supportive environment for our community of immigrant and newcomer arts professionals. Through tailored programming, we ensure inclusivity and provide a welcoming platform for diverse artistic expressions.
For information on the history of Open Spaces, visit the The City of Calgary webpage.