"Using hand worked textiles honours the unknown woman who gave a part of her life to create intricate, detailed and often delicate work with her hands.  By incorporating these pieces into my mixed media paintings, value is placed back into the lives of the unknown woman creator – to link my own work and life to our maternal ancestors.”

"My art education encompassed a wide variety of media. The larger part of my education in Switzerland was in fiber and needle arts. Since coming to Canada in 1987, I have concentrated on furthering my interdisciplinary arts education with studies through the Toronto Board of Education, through workshops with local and international artists, and as a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). I graduated from OCAD as an honors student in 1999 and was awarded both the Governor General’s Medal and an Ontario College of Art and Design Medal. During my study, I focused on fiber arts (papermaking, surface design, weaving), book arts and sculpture."

Monika Aebischer is a symbolist artist… she creates symbols of universal humanity. She leads us through the layers of her awareness with thoughtful intent.  Her work draws the viewer in to touch the surface to experience the textures of the handmade textiles beneath the paint.  Fields of colours evoke feelings, and the interaction of their shapes reflects the interaction of our subliminal relationship to them and with each other.

Born in Switzerland in 1968, she has managed her art studio in downtown Toronto since 1997.

EDUCATION

1999

Fine Arts, Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) (Honours and Governor General’s Award, Toronto, ON

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2013 

“The Artist Project”, Juried Contemporary Art Fair, Toronto, Canada

2008

“Thoughtful Intent”, Magic Door Gallery, Sunderland, ON

2007

“Monika Aebischer – New Work”, Towne Square Gallery, Oakville, ON

2006

“Window of Opportunities”, Petroff Gallery, Toronto, ON

2001

Studio Show & Sale, Artist’s Studio, Toronto, ON

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2013

“Bebe a L’Epaule” exhibition, Solange Lebel Art Gallery, Drummondville, QC

2011

Annual VIP, Spring and Fall Exhibitions, Art & Style Gallery, Montreal, QC

2006

“Vessels”, Gallery De Boer, Owen Sound, ON

2005

Christmas Show, Linda Lando Gallery, Vancouver, BC

2004

Yearly Members Exhibition SCA, Hummingbird Centre for the Arts, Toronto, ON

2003

“Spring Thaw”, Magic Door Gallery, Sunderland, ON

1999

Medal Winners – Open House, Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, ON

AWARDS AND MENTIONS

2014

Honourable Mention – Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Festival

2003

Elected to Society of Canadian Artists (SCA)

2002

Best Graduate Booth Design–Uniquely Ontario (Toronto International Gift Fair) 

1999

Governor General’s Medal-Printmaking (OCAD)

COLLECTIONS 

• Soprema, Head Office and Research Centre, Drummondville, QC
• Artworks are in private collections in Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Greece, Spain, Germany, and the USA; in corporate collection in Canada