Ignite Installation Award Winner Matt Trinh
The Artificial Happiness Machine, 2026
Metal, Wood, Acrylic Paint, Motor
H8’x L20’x W9’
In this work, the continuity between human and environment becomes a form of embodied
connection and disconnection. It serves as a meditation on nature as both metaphor and
medium for society’s tendency to use domestic distractions to mask a deeper sense of
emptiness. The reality is that all artificial constructs designed to mimic nature create a
fabricated sense of happiness. Consequently, a growing disconnect emerges from the city
people’s perception of reality. This mechanical artscape compels us to reflect on our
modern-day regressions and ponder what it truly means to coexist harmoniously with
nature’s elements. It is an invitation to reconnect with the colourful world around us.
@ocaduniversity
#GRADEX111
Announcing the Winners of Ignite Gallery’s 2026 Installation Award ✨
A huge congratulations to:
Matt Trinh
Adewole Louis
Callum Donovan-Grujicich
Hayeon Song
Join us for the Ignite Gallery Installation Award Exhibition
May 6, 2026
Ignite Gallery
Don’t miss the chance to experience these incredible artists and their work.
#IgniteGallery #InstallationAward #ArtExhibition #GradEx111 #ContemporaryArt
@hawk_mtx@callumdgart@louis_adewole@praxidikexxvii@ocaduniversity
Soft Power
Christian Milan Butterfield, Jada Le Daley, Anran Guo, Riley Kojima, Chimemelie Okafor, Matt Trinh
November 14 – December 13 Opening Reception: November 13, 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Soft Power gathers six artists whose practices speak to the resilience that shapes who we are and how we exist together. Their works channel the strength found in persistence and empathy. Through gestures of reclamation and transformation, they build spaces where vulnerability becomes defiance, and identity is an ongoing act of power.
Curated by Morgan Mavis and Tibi Neuspiel
Image Credit: LF Documentation, Anran Guo, everything is fine, 2022
@anran.guo@hawk_mtx@c.milan.b@rileykojima@chi.mejo@jadeleebits
Quick painting study for the big flower piece. Tbh, I like this one better! It is now hanging up in @crazycaffeinatednomad new home in Redcliff Alberta 😆
