Stories and artists that shaped 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of stories celebrating the creative spirit that thrives in YEG. From galleries to stages, 2024’s Arts & Culture section highlighted the passions of local artists who dared to push the boundaries.
March welcomed Jael Roznicki and her vision for Maud Gallery, a space she curated with an eye for contemporary art. Inspired by the legacy of Canadian folk artist, Maud Kathleen Lewis, Roznicki’s gallery on 124 Street is the spot for modern art lovers and the art-curious alike.
Her own abstract pieces fill spaces alongside works she meticulously sources from Canadian artists, creating a narrative-rich environment that encourages visitors to explore and interpret.
In April, we met Clay Ellis, who offered us a masterclass in creative evolution from his Edmonton studio. A craftsman with decades of experience, Ellis’s work bridges the tactile and the ephemeral. His innovative resin “tarps” blur the boundaries between sculpture and painting, with vibrant colours and geometric patterns that invite viewers to reconsider the relationship between form and space.
June brought the compelling story of Daniel Sundahl, a former paramedic-turned-artist whose work channels trauma into powerful visual narratives. Sundahl’s digitally enhanced photographs recreate the harrowing moments of emergency scenes he witnessed, blending realism with symbolic elements, to echo resilience and hope. His art reflects the transformative power of creativity in overcoming personal struggles. His advocacy for mental health among first responders has extended his impact far beyond the canvas.
In July, we met with 2020 Juno award winner Celeigh Cardinal, an indigenous singer-songwriter, whose third album, Boundless Possibilities, marked a deeply personal transformation.
Initially envisioned as a celebration of euphoria, the album evolved to explore themes of grief and joy after a series of life-altering events, including the loss of her son’s father.
Cardinal’s career has been marked by her powerful voice and emotional storytelling, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
October spotlighted James Lavoie, whose minimalist glass work combines precision and spontaneity. From kiln-formed glass sculptures to boat-shaped designs with unexpected textural effects, Lavoie’s pieces are elegant explorations of light, form, and simplicity. His openness to experimentation ensures that each creation offers a sense of discovery.
November featured the breathtaking aerial artistry of Sarah Visser. Known as “Sarah the Aerialist,” Visser’s journey from competitive gymnastics to swinging trapeze performer has been defined by resilience. Her daring performances have graced both local and worldwide stages.
As we close the book on another year and look to 2025, we are thrilled to introduce our readers to new, local artists. Who would you like to see featured in Modern Luxuria this year? Let us know by sending an email to hello@modernluxuriamagazine.com.
Places To Be
See this month's local flavours, products, and services.
