KOAC Artist in Residence

Rhys Douglas farrell

FEBRUARY 1 – 28, 2025

Rhys Douglas Farrell joined KOAC for a month-long studio residency in February 2025. The Artist in Residence program was inspired by Katie Ohe, one of the founders of KOAC, who has produced a remarkable body of work over her 60+ year career! Katie is a renowned artist, well known for both her sculpture work and bright, bold silkscreen prints, and Rhys continues to be inspired by her work. Reflecting on this opportunity, Rhys shared, “Throughout Ohe’s career she has created many works that coincide with my interests in color, pattern and optical art. Therefore this opportunity had a phenomenal impact on my artistic practice and research.”

While in residence, Rhys developed a new body of work, sharing his research and creative process along the way. Engaging with the community, sharing his interests and ideas, as well as providing a unique experience for each viewer is an important aspect of his practice as an artist – he shared, “it is why I make art.” Throughout his residency, Rhys explored the colours and patterns at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and developed two new optical art paintings inspired by the park and surrounding sculptures.

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Rhys Douglas Farrell is an emerging artist living and working in Calgary, Alberta. Farrell is a graduate from Alberta University of the Arts where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction (Drawing and Painting). His work is a combination of beautiful colour combinations, complex patterns and geometric shapes. Currently Farrell is represented by the Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and TAKSU Gallery in Singapore. Farrell’s work has been aggressively collected by corporate and private collectors alike, and he has participated in a number of international residencies. His larger public works can be found in several countries around the world including Bosnia, Canada, Croatia, Malaysia, Mexico, Sicily and Spain as well as a large collection in Calgary. Farrell was awarded the Alumni Horizon Award from AUArts highlighting his progress since graduating.

View more of his work on his website.