Runs October 10 – January 16, 2026
The Muse: Douglas Family Art Centre is pleased to present HAVEN: Alison Norlen, made possible with the
support of the Ontario Arts Council an agency of the Government of Ontario that supports the arts for the
benefit of all Ontarians.
Alison Norlen, originally from Kenora is acclaimed in the Canadian art scene, and was a university professor,
in Saskatoon, SK teaching Fine Art. A star now returned, Norlen explores the concept of home in HAVEN.
Inspired by the Covid pandemic when people were isolated and spending a great deal more time
sequestered in their own personal space, Norlen saw the opportunity to reflect on inner worlds, physically,
mentally and emotionally. She found that analyzing her space was a way to re-examine what represents
“home” through the objects she chose to make her space – a reflection of herself.
Norlen has conceived gigantic immersive panoramas, recreating the densely packed interiors of her own
home, highlighting specific collectibles. A form of re-seeing these acquired objects which have their own
unique histories; they hold a specific time and place where she first encountered them: coveted and
collected over many years.
“I want you to feel like you’re in my space.” Known for her works at massive scale, Norlen effectively pulls
viewers into her textured environments built of successive layers of drawn line and paint; sculpting light and
shadow, building the scene into a stage.
