Angie Rees
Angie Rees is an artist currently living and working in Calgary, Alberta. Although she has painted her whole life, she sought formal training from Grant MacEwan College and the University of Alberta, where she graduated with a BFA in 1990.
Whimsical, playful, and eccentric come to mind when describing the painting style of Angie Rees.
These imaginative works are extremely well-crafted, with rich surface textures and a vibrant, arresting palette. The wit and humour of her clever titles add another dimension to these ‘visual puns’. Angie’s work is widely collected and can be seen in many galleries across Western Canada.
Things that make me joyful, things that spark my curiosity, and things that tickle my funny bone are the things I like to paint. I’m drawn towards all things eccentric and offbeat, almost as if my brain is hardwired to notice the absurdities in life. Such weird and wonderful details are like an adrenaline boost for my imagination.
The BFA I received at the University of Alberta prioritized the formalist elements of design such as colour, texture and shape before considering the subject. These principles still profoundly inform the decisions I make today while leaning into more narrative work.
While achieving a truthful likeness is important to the foundations of my artwork, I always try to find the magic. A special little something, almost imperceptible, that goes beyond the ordinary.
Lastly, as someone who appreciates sharp and skillful wordplay, I feel that no painting is complete without the company of a cheeky, clever title. It’s the chef’s kiss.
