BIOGRAPHY

Jennifer Mae Wood was born in Moh’kinstsis, colonially known as Calgary, Alberta. She is currently living, learning, and creating on the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art) degree from the University of Lethbridge and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD). While at the University of Lethbridge, she received the Fine Arts Award of Excellence and the David Lanier Memorial Award. As well, Jennifer led the Fine Arts Club, organizing exhibitions and fostering student-led community involvement, and was curator of the Niche Gallery, a student-lead exhibition space showcasing student work. Her art has been shown in galleries across Alberta, including Casa, Helen Christou Gallery, and the McDougall Centre.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artistic practice delves into the intricate tapestry of contemporary cultural and societal issues facing women, with a keen focus on unravelling the complexities of gender role-playing and the profound influence of culture on identity construction. Central to my work is an exploration of the symbolic significance inherent in products and an interrogation of the societal constructs embedded within objects. I'm deeply invested in reimagining and repurposing items traditionally relegated to binary gender roles, inviting them to reclaim a new narrative. My material research drives the choices I make for display, media, medium, techniques, and specific tools. Performance and process is integral in my interdisciplinary approach to art-making. In addition to material research, I use a wide array of writing and personal experience as a source of inspiration. My research approach focuses on topics within gender theory and feminist theory. I strive to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional, physical and financial barriers that are placed on women, both in the Western context and abroad.

CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION

2024-present - Master of Fine Arts, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Vancouver (pending)

2011-2016 - Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art), University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2015-2016 - Niche Gallery Curator, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge

2013 - Teaching Assistant, Lakeview Elementary School (Art Class), Lethbridge

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2018 - Best of South Western Alberta, Calgary Public Library, Calgary

2018 - Art from the Unknown, McDougall Centre, Calgary

2018 - Best of South Western Alberta, Casa, Lethbridge

2017 - 50 (art + people = x), Helen Christou Gallery, Lethbridge

2016 - Works from the Drawing Bar, Helen Christou Gallery, Lethbridge

2016 - Pending…., The Penny Building, Lethbridge

2015 - Social Justice Art Exhibition, Galileo’s Lounge, Lethbridge

2015 - Loose Leaves, Casa, Lethbridge

2015 - Art Dept. Open House, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge

2015 - Live Painting Art Auction, Village Brewery, Calgary

2015 - Howl, The Penny Building, Lethbridge

2014 - Art Dept. Open House, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2016 - Reflection, Camera Obscura, Lethbridge

2016 - Over Groom, The Niche Gallery, Lethbridge

COLLABORATIONS

2015 - Greasy Girls: Wing Night, The Zoo, Lethbridge

PUBLICATIONS

2016 - Department of Art Open House, The Art Society, Lethbridge

2016 - Volume 49 Issue no. 5, The Meliorist, Lethbridge

2015 - Art Dept. Open House, The Art Society, Lethbridge

2015 - Greasy Girls: Wing Night, halenkooper.wordpress.com

2015 - Selfies Exhibition Label, University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, Lethbridge

GRANTS | SCHOLARSHIPS

2016 - David Lanier Memorial Award

2015 - Fine Arts Award of Excellence

2015 - Judy Jaeger Bursary

2014 - Jason Lang Scholarship