Artists in Residence
About the XR Artist in Residencies Program
This year’s conference includes three artist-in-residencies based in Alberta that research and utilize eXtended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
These residencies will act as research residencies for artists to take on the task of exploring relevant XR technologies with the help of three other XR consultants in the community, in the form of additional mentorship and workshops.
The presentation of the research and projects that are developed through the residencies will be held during the conference:
Artist-in-Residence Panel discussion
Featuring Laura Anzola, Clea Karst, Evan Pearce with Curator Matt Wright, moderated by Vicki Chau.
Three artists in residence developed eXtended Reality (XR) projects inspired by the UFO Landing Pad in St. Paul. Working remotely in Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat, this panel will explore the successes and challenges of working with XR technology.
Friday July 1, 1:45 – 2:45
Portage College
Matt Wright
Artists in Residence Curator, Mentor
Matt Wright has worked for years creating visual stories. Beginning his journey in broadcasting, Matt has built his career on finding technological solutions to creative innovations – imagining what has previously been impossible and finding a way to bring that vision to life. Expanding on his broadcasting background, Matt transitioned into working as a producer and manager at creative agencies, doubling as a technology advisor and creative lead. His vision led him to his current passion of extended reality content creation. Matt was an early adopter of VR and founded MAMMOTH XR in November 2015. Since then, he has helmed a number of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality projects for a variety of world class clients, spoken at events featuring technology and storytelling, and consulted to organizations incorporating extended reality experiences into their strategies. Matt believes in growing the industry and the power of collaboration, providing support to both proven and emerging techies and storytellers.
Vicki Chau
Artists in Residence Coordinator
Vicki Van Chau is a filmmaker and arts administrator based in Calgary, Alberta. She was the Programming Director at EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society from 2011 – 2020, and in her time there, she co-founded the PARTICLE + WAVE Media Arts Festival and co-published Luma Quarterly, an online publication about film & media art. She is an active arts community member and has sat on the Board of Directors for the Untitled Art Society (now known as The Bows), EXPOSURE Photography Festival, Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS), and currently, the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF). She received the Spirit of Helen award in 2014, recognizing her contributions to Alberta’s media arts community.
Photo by: Kai Sunderland
Laura Anzola (Calgary)
Artists in Residence Participant
New Media artist Laura Anzola examines and critiques the impact of technology on our daily lives and bodies, corporeal gestures, and global mobility, through unconventional applications of tech – adapted, hacked, and transformed. Her work often casts a skeptical eye on global societal issues using visual storytelling and interactive media. Her current project Blue Borders, is an audiovisual essay for dome projection that explores notions of home, identity, privilege and belonging. Laura’s work has been shown in galleries and public spaces in Colombia, Germany, and Canada.
Photo by: Krista Bell
Clea Karst (Medicine Hat)
Artists in Residence Participant
Clea Karst is a visual artist living in Medicine Hat, where she currently attends the local college. Originally trained in the Fine Arts, she has enjoyed the process of branching out into digital art. Her biggest inspiration is Baroque, Romantic art, pop music, poetry and the environments she lives in. She is focused on creating otherworldly, yet familiar work that showcases Alberta’s often overlooked beauty.
Evan Pearce (Edmonton)
Artists in Residence Participant
Evan Pearce performs as a VJ under Notfortheireyes, and is the Creative Director & Strategist at Ommatidium Studios. Evan’s primary artistic disciplines are VJing and New Media, and is currently exploring the depths of Extended Reality (XR), coupled with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Evan has not limited himself to a certain technique, and is always approaching his craft as a vessel for continual abstract expression, striving to learn new methods to leave the viewer feeling simultaneously disturbed and in awe by their visual experience. In 2020, Evan received The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award for his work at the intersection of music, video, and leading-edge technology. Evan has performed and exhibited his work extensively across Canada and internationally.
Photo by: Sean Traynor
MISSION
AMAAS exists to advocate, educate, and celebrate the media arts in Alberta.
VISION
The media arts in Alberta is advanced through the generation of awareness, strengthening of connections, and continuous advocacy. AMAAS builds a sustainable and vibrant future for media arts in Alberta.
DEFINITION OF MEDIA ART
AMAAS defines media art as independent artist initiated and controlled use of film, video, new media, audio/sound art and related media.
QUICK LINKS
Read our Brochure
