Diana Ohiozebau is an Edmonton-based mixed media artist. She received a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) from Ambrose Ali University in Nigeria with first-class honours and was a valedictorian of her class. In 2018, she earned a Master of Fine Art (MFA) from the University of Calgary and is currently completing a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. She has had several exhibitions in Alberta and Saskatchewan and has led many workshops, including the 2021 Culture Days Workshop hosted at the Art Gallery of St. Albert. In addition, she has received awards and grants, including the Alberta Foundation for the arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, and Edmonton Arts Council.
My artistic practice is inspired by black identity, place, femininity, culture, and my experiences as a Nigerian Canadian striding two worlds. In my studio practice, multiple colours, geometric shapes, lines, abstraction, textures, stylization, patterns, and motifs from African fabrics are recurring elements in my works. Through an intuition-led process, I juxtapose and overlap these materials and elements to create works that exist as paintings, textiles, and sculptures. I find fulfillment in my intuitive process because every painting becomes a journey that leads to a cohesive, meaningful, and beautiful piece beyond my expectation.
The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Treaty 6 Territory and Region 4 of the Metis Nation of Alberta. We respect this as the traditional and contemporary land of diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Nitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe/Saulteaux/Ojibwe and Dene Peoples. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people who make Alberta their home today.
