Laura Payne
Laura Payne is a Canadian contemporary visual artist known for her explorations of simulated abstraction and hyperreality through painting and new media. Her work has been widely exhibited across Canada and internationally, with pieces in major collections such as Global Affairs Canada, Google, and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
Artist Bio
Laura Payne, born in 1987 in Ottawa, Canada, is a contemporary visual artist residing in Okotoks, Alberta. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Western Ontario and later completed her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the Mount Royal School of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. Payne’s artistic journey has been marked by significant recognition, including being a finalist for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Canadian Painting Competition in 2017 and receiving a Saskatchewan Foundations for the Arts Award in 2018. Her work has been supported by various arts councils, showcasing her commitment to exploring contemporary themes through her art.
Payne’s artistic practice encompasses painting and new media, where she investigates the intersection of simulated abstraction and hyperreality. Her works often create optical illusions that challenge viewers’ perceptions of dimensionality and form. She has exhibited widely across Canada and internationally, with notable shows in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles. Her pieces are included in prestigious collections, including those of Global Affairs Canada and major corporations like Google and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
In addition to her exhibitions, Payne actively participates in artist residencies and collaborative projects. Recently, she made headlines by selling her second artwork to the Global Affairs Canada Visual Art Collection, further solidifying her presence in the contemporary art landscape. Through her innovative approach and dedication to her craft, Laura Payne continues to contribute significantly to the evolving narrative of Canadian contemporary art.
Artist statement
As science, technology, and digital media continue to influence the trajectory of contemporary art, my practice addresses the space where simulated abstraction becomes hyperreality, referencing a dimension beyond our three. In painting and electronic media, theoretical yet physically incongruous forms are rendered and derived using various digital and design technologies.
