Artist Leah Evans (BFA - Art '24) creates the focal point of Vibe Fest
The Faculty of Fine Arts Vibe Fest promises a playful, immersive celebration of contemporary art, performance and creative technologies. For one night only, the doors of the University Centre for the Arts will be open to the community to showcase the talent and artistry of Fine Arts students, alumni and faculty.
Faculty of Fine Arts Dean, Heather Davis-Fisch, shares that when her team first envisioned Vibe Fest, the idea of highlighting the work of a student or alumni artist as part of the festival was one of the first elements that was developed.
"Vibe Fest is meant to celebrate the accomplishments of Fine Arts students and alumni," Heather says. "Showcasing the work of a student or recent alumni embodies the purpose of the festival."
Fine Arts alumna Leah Evans (BFA - Art '24) is the festival's featured artist, with her painting, Mirrored Image of My Mother, serving as the focal point of Vibe Fest. Leah is a young artist currently based in Drayton Valley, Alberta. She recently completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Studio at ULethbridge, culminating in her undergraduate honours thesis project, Exploring Girlhood.
Finding inspiration through family photos
Although primarily a painter, Leah's practice has strong connections to photographic materials—both through her own film photography practice and interest in archival materials such as family albums. She often combines multiple reference images while painting, merging these captured visuals with emotion and memory.
Before painting, Leah says she explores the themes and imagery in a sketchbook first, and then moves to the underpainting of the final work. After this, Leah adds that the rest of the painting process is very spontaneous.
"Working from figuration, I have recently been expanding my practice into reflections on intergenerational memory and trauma, investigating their inherited and physical qualities," Leah says.
"When I bring reference images to the painting stage, I will usually combine them, and always merge these captured visuals with emotion and memory—both those embedded in the image and event itself, but also perceptions that form beyond those immediately perceived from the photograph."
Within these ideas, Leah moves her paintings away from a direct representation of the source: engaging animal symbolism, feminist perspectives involving girlhood experience and a persistent critique of suburban narratives in her work.
On Mirrored Image of My Mother
Mirrored Image of My Mother (2024) depicts sequential 35mm film photographs of Leah's mother, reflected and merged together. The inspiration for Mirrored Image of My Mother first came from finding the negatives in a box of old film. Leah says she was initially drawn to these sequential photographs for their bold yet playful contrast, finding this contrast visually appealing but also conceptually important.
"For me, Mirrored Image of My Mother reflects on the troubling social implications embedded in hyper-feminine aesthetics, particularly those tied to the perceived innocence of youth," Leah says.
"Reflecting on the tension between the two poses I found my thematic inspiration while painting: the work as a visualization of hyper-feminine aesthetics and our ability to push and change their cultural meanings. This fit well in the themes I was then researching as part of Exploring Girlhood, and the painting became a central piece of this undergraduate thesis exhibition."
"Despite their harmful historical and contemporary implications, conventionally feminine motifs can be uniquely embraced to become a source of confidence and self-expression—a sentiment explored in the contrast between the solemnity and playfulness of the mirrored figure. However, this is just my intention behind the painting, and I hope audiences will find their own meaning in it."
Creating the focal point of Vibe Fest
For Leah, having Mirrored Image of My Mother featured through the Abbondànza fundraising dinner and Vibe Fest is a deeply meaningful and memorable experience.
"I am incredibly honoured to have my work recognized in this way and to be part of this amazing event that supports the arts at ULethbridge. This recognition allows me to share this personal piece and its ideas with a broader audience, fostering connections through art and conversation while opening the work up for everyone’s unique interpretation. I am beyond grateful to contribute to Abbondànza and Vibe Fest and be part of this amazing community."
Leah adds that she's excited for Vibe Fest as an event that brings together the Lethbridge art community to celebrate the vibrant arts talent at ULethbridge.
"I’m particularly looking forward to the new Vibe Fest element for its immersive experience and as an engaging platform for artists to connect. I’m delighted to share my work alongside the talent of Fine Arts students, faculty and fellow alumni at the festival, and I’m excited to explore the art exhibited as part of the Vibe Fest Art Market."
Building success through a Fine Arts education
"My education in the Faculty of Fine Arts was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of contemporary art through creation, research and the support of mentors and peers," Leah says.
"With these resources and guidance, my professional practice and creative process evolved to shape me as an artist and prepare me for my future ambitions. The Art Studio program introduced me to incredible artists and friends, while encouraging exploration in new directions. I’m thankful for the connections and growth made possible during my time at the University of Lethbridge."
She adds that highlighting the work of emerging artists is critical, because it helps emerging artists find their footing in what can often feel like an overwhelming art world, while also providing a platform for innovation and fresh ideas in contemporary art.
"When young artists feel that our work is appreciated and given space to grow, it not only allows us to find our own voice but also helps us to build a supportive group with others."