Kira Alexanian (Hamilton & Guelph, ON)
Kira Alexanian is an emerging mixed-media artist and craftsperson working out of both Guelph and Hamilton, Ontario. In 2023, she received her B.A. from the University of Guelph, where she majored in Studio Art. Most notably, she has received the Jane Graham Memorial Award from the Guelph Arts Council, and the Necessary Arts Collective’s Residency Award. While still early in her artistic career, Kira presented her first solo exhibition titled dreamscapes at Wyndham Art Supplies’ 3rd Floor Gallery in September of 2023. Since then, she has also participated in various group exhibitions such as Carnegie Craft, Art in the Workplace, and 10C’s Annual Juried Show.
Kira’s work is rooted in an eclectic blend of materials, including recycled fibre scraps, hand-painted fabric, wire, and beads. “I am drawn to the meditative acts of hand- stitching, wire wrapping, and delicate beadwork. These thoughtful processes – combined with the use of repurposed materials – oppose the speed and wastefulness that have been normalized in the present day. Whimsical subject matter and references to nature are reinforced by rich colour, texture, and lush ornamentation.”