Current Exhibitions

About the artwork

This fibre artwork consists of plastic sequins and polyester thread on fabric.

This artwork is included in the Here & Now exhibition at the Royal Alberta Museum until September 29, 2024. Learn more about the exhibition.

The AFA acquired this artwork through its Art Acquisition by Application program in 2023. This program is designed to acquire contemporary works of art by any eligible Alberta artist.

Artist statement

View this artist's statement as a PDF.

SPECIAL NEEDS was a label I resented as a child with a learning disability. I’ve reimagined this term into a dazzling, shimmering message of acceptance for diversity.

By rescuing words that made me feel alienated for being different, I’ve turned them into a sequin encrusted, packed to the max, full on acknowledgement, that what makes us different, makes us special.

About the artist

Esther was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on November 20th, 1976.

Esther's Artwork utilizes common and found materials to narrate a metaphorical parallel reflection of her life and of her surroundings. The subjects depicted in her work highlight objects, images, and texts that are most often over looked and considered unimportant. She is known for the great amount of attention and care she gives to each construction.