Julie Beugin

Chosen Corners Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, 2021

Julie Beugin: Urban Abstraction and Contemplative Landscapes Julie Beugin's art vividly captures the essence of urban landscapes, focusing on the subtle details and quiet corners often overlooked in bustling cities. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings, Beugin translates her observations into a unique artistic language that blends photography, collage, and abstract painting. Born and raised in Calgary, AB, Beugin pursued her artistic education at Emily Carr University in Vancouver, where she earned her BFA in 2004, and later at Concordia University in Montreal, where she completed her MFA in 2008. Her journey as an artist has been marked by notable achievements, including multiple grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and recognition as a finalist in the RBC Canadian Painting Competition in 2009. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, since 2009, Beugin explores the dynamic relationship between city life and artistic creation. Her process begins with capturing everyday scenes through her camera lens, focusing on light, architecture, and the textures of urban surfaces. These photographs serve as the foundation for her innovative collages, which in turn inspire her vibrant abstract paintings. Her work has been widely exhibited in Berlin and across Canada, including solo shows at Paul Petro Contemporary Art in Toronto and VIVIANEART in Calgary. Beugin's art is also held in significant public and private collections, including those of the Royal Bank of Canada and the Prêt d’œuvres d’art collection at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Looking ahead, Beugin will further expand her international presence by participating in a residency and exhibition at the Bildraum Studio in Vienna, Austria, in 2026. In her latest series, "Daylight Cut-Outs," Beugin's artworks invite viewers to delve into her creative process. The paintings, characterized by bold colours juxtaposed with expanses of white space, incorporate fragments of canvas collages—a technique she has refined over years of practice. Each piece reflects Beugin's experimental approach, balancing spontaneity with meticulous composition. Through her art, Beugin challenges conventional perceptions of urban spaces, transforming mundane cityscapes into realms of playful abstraction and contemplative exploration. Her work encourages viewers to reconsider the familiar, offering glimpses into alternative constructions of urban environments.