Artist Statement

My art is a reflection of life; it encompasses concepts and processes that provide a connection between the visible and invisible. I create visual narratives that integrate political and social issues, women’s vulnerability, confusion, contradictions, and my personal experience of nomadic life, which can resonate with millions. I work across media, fluidly engaging with sculpture, drawing, painting, photography, textiles, and ceramics, working with passion, exploring materials and processes, and incorporating life experiences and acquired knowledge. While experimenting, I feel free to connect the spiritual and physical, to past and present, fears and love, allowing the mystery of life to reveal itself.

Currently, I am working with documentary photography, textile, and acrylic paint, exploring social and personal impressions and expressions.

Biography

Maria J. Riviere, Argentinian-Canadian visual artist, born in Buenos Aires, based in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

In the wake of political upheaval in the late 70’s, Riviere relocated to Spain and eventually Canada, where she pursued a career in computer programming. After her retirement, she reconnected with her interest in visual art through expressions in experimental form.

Riviere graduated with Great Distinction and Honour thesis from The University of Lethbridge's BFA Art Studio program in 2023.

She works across media, fluidly engaging sculpture, drawing, painting, photography, and textiles, exploring the intersection of the visible and invisible.

She is a two-time recipient of the Roloff Beny Photographic Award in Fine Arts and has also received several other awards.

In 2021 and 2023, Riviere’s works were featured at The Gallery at CASA in Lethbridge, Alberta. The Penny Gallery, The University of Lethbridge,

exhibited her works in 2023.. She has her first solo exhibition at Escuela de Educación Estética, Buenos Aires (2023). In 2025, she showed first

Visual Journey work and later Catching Memories project at Casa Gallery; Trap\Door Artist Run Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta displayed her works in

two exhibitions, Be There and be Square, Interlacing Stories, and Thinking Inside the Box. She participated in the Crowsnest Pass Public Art

Gallery’s summer exhibit (2025) featuring Brain and perception changes. In 2022, she completed a mural commissioned by Green Acres

Foundation for their 60th anniversary in Lethbridge.

Riviere is member of Canada Council for the Arts, Elephant Artist Relief Society, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and Golden Key International

Honour Society.