ARTIST STATEMENT
Odia Reimer uses repetition in form to emphasize the repetitive nature of the universal longing. She believes that this haunting distress of nothingness manifests itself in the symbols of the mundane ordinary events of life. Often unnoticed and unknown to everyone else, these images, which by their very nature are private and un-noteworthy, are playing out again and again in daily life wearing the spirit thin. Her art brings to life these moments with hopes that an artistic representation of this stream of repetitive images will validate the tyranny of the symbols of routine, the constant reminder of longings unfulfilled.
Over and over we experience very personal and private events that are outside our control, of which within their very nature make it hard to express to the world outside ourselves. Every time they happen we are reminded of disappointments, longings, hurts, and inadequacies that solidify the feeling that we often do not have what we long for most.
Through form, texture, and scale I compulsively explores these repetitive occurrences. The goal and purpose is to have a physical representation that solidifies the magnitude of these private moments, with hopes that the accumulation will validate these repeated experiences.
Exhibitions:
2018 Solo Exhibition “Prophetic Worship” Provencher Community Church, Winnipeg MB
2017 Group Exhibition “Freedom: the power of imagination” Flatlanders Studio, Winnipeg MB
2016 Group Exhibition “Art & Love Collide” POP-UP Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2016 Group Exhibition “Intent” Edge Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2015 Group Exhibition “Suspended: it is about Pursuit” Frame Warehouse Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2014 Group Exhibition “Inexplicable: it is about Healing” Frame Warehouse Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2011 Solo Exhibition “Evidence of a Trial”, Gallery in the Park, Altona MB
2011 Group Exhibition “InDescribable: it is about Murder”, Menninite Heritage Art Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2009 Solo Exhibition “The Last Walk”, Gallery in the Park, Altona MB
2008 Group Exhibition “Resilience”, Mennonite Heritage Art Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2006 Group Exhibition “Artisans Market” Winnipeg Center Vineyard, Winnipeg MB
2004 Group Exhibition “Going Vertical” Fleet Gallery, Winnipeg MB
2002 Solo Exhibition “Art Night” Winnipeg Center Vineyard, Winnipeg MB
Education:
2009 Manitoba Craft Grant
Education:
2006 BFA, University of Manitoba
1993 High School Graduate, Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, Winnipeg MB
Work Experience:
2008 – 2017 Curator, Gallery in the Park, Altona MB
2008 – 2015 Board Member, Gallery in the Park, Altona, MB
2008 Board Member, Resilience Exhibition, MCC-Victims Voice, Winnipeg, MB
Reviews/Articles:
2015 Family of Candace Derksen launches art show, CTV Winnipeg
2014 Art brings healing for Derksen family, The Herald, Winnipeg Free Press
2014 Unique exhibit portrays the healing journey, Red River Valley Echo
2014 It is about healing, CHVN Radio
2014 Inexplicable: it is about healing, The Uniter
2014 Inexplicable: it is about healing, Winnipeg Free Press
2014 Inexplicable: it is about healing, CTV News News, Online edition
2012 Tragedy and pain rooted in art: Exhibit rooted in Derksen murder, Winnipeg Free Press – Printed Edition
2012 What does transformative art look like?, CBC Manitoba
2012 Exhibit a portrait of forgiveness, Winnipeg Sun
2012 Current Art Exhibit, MB Herald
2009 Crocheted Tears, MB Herald
2009 Teardrops reveal depth of forgiveness, Pembina today
Speaking:
2018 Prophetic Art: A Message from God in Visual Form, Spirit Room
2017 Freedom: the power of imagination
2016 Art & Love Collide POP-UP Gallery
2015 Suspended: it is about Pursuit Artist Talk, Frame Warehouse Gallery
2014 Inexplicable: it is about healing Artist Talk, Frame Warehouse Gallery
2014 Tragic Loss Seminar Altona and District Palliative Care Resource Center
2013 Forgiveness: to loving your enemy Altona Bergthaler Church
2012 Indescribable: It is about Murder Artist Talk, Mennonite Heritage Art Gallery