Walking into Stephen Altena’s exhibition Everything Was So Pretty at Idea Exchange in Preston was like stepping into a dream—a bright, whimsical dream woven with patterns, flowers, childhood memories and a deep longing for beauty. The exhibit is on display from Mar. 29, 2025 to June 14, 2025
In Everything Was So Pretty, Altena creates an environment where plants and flowers are in full bloom, coexisting beautifully despite their diverse needs—a metaphor for inclusivity and acceptance.
Hidden among the lush flora, viewers can find childlike figures and objects peeking through, many of which are drawn from Altena’s own childhood memories.
When asked about the title of the exhibition, Altena shared that it stems from the nostalgic lens of childhood, a blend of memory and imagination.
“It’s about looking at the world and all of its beautiful things through the eyes of a child,” he said.
Altena, born and raised on a dairy farm in Hamilton, Ontario, draws much of his inspiration from his early life. A graduate of Redeemer College University and the Independent Study Program at Dundas Valley School of Art under the mentorship of John Wilkinson and Susan Detwiler, Altena’s journey into the art world was not straightforward.
Growing up, he was not exposed to much formal art—his influences were the wallpapers, textiles and decorative patterns found in his family’s Victorian farmhouse. It was in college that he truly delved into fine art and art history, eventually finding a deep connection to movements like Abstract Expressionism and later, the Pattern and Decoration movement.
Altena has exhibited his work at venues like Transit Gallery, the Toronto Outdoor Exhibit, Hamilton Public Library and Hoop Gallery. His work has been sold through the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Art Sale and Rental Gallery.
Additionally, along with Andrew McPhail, he co-founded The Hundred Dollar Gallery, which hosted the first-ever Hamilton Biennale, a significant event that celebrated local art and made it more accessible to the public.
During our conversation, Altena spoke about how making art has been a way for him to move from invisibility to visibility. Growing up feeling “othered” because of his queerness, he initially wanted to disappear into the background. However, through his large-scale, exuberant installations, he now claims space unapologetically.
“This is not invisible,” he said, smiling warmly. “I think making art is a way to become visible to the world.”
Altena’s artistic process is as intricate as his finished works. He shared that he does a lot of drawing and research before he begins a piece, gathering source material from libraries, galleries, antique malls, and everyday experiences.
His materials for Everything Was So Pretty include oil paint on paper and Mylar, as well as acrylic paint—a combination that allows for a richly textured and layered visual effect.
Altena also spoke about the importance of representation for queer artists in galleries and exhibitions.
“It’s very important,” he emphasized. “There are so many stories to be told. We need to have that visibility.”
Among contemporary Canadian artists, Altena expressed admiration for Zachary Logan, whose work often incorporates floral and botanical themes viewed through a queer lens. He finds Logan’s work inspiring for its blend of beauty and identity, themes close to Altena’s own heart.
Despite the prevalence of technology today, Altena remains optimistic about younger generations’ appreciation for art. Working at a bookstore that also sells art supplies, he regularly sees high school and university students eager to pick up pens, paints and sketchbooks.
“They get tired of being on the phone,” he said. “They want to read a book, use a nice pen and paper. Technology can get boring after a while. They want to explore other mediums.”
A typical day for Altena involves working in his studio, particularly in the mornings when his creativity is at its peak. His days are filled with painting, drawing, and working in his sketchbooks—always nurturing the next idea.
“One exhibit builds from another,” he reflected. “There’s always another opportunity, another way to take the work further—bigger, or maybe smaller. You never know.”
As for his favorite museums, Altena gave a heartfelt shout-out to the Cambridge Galleries, praising their vibrant programming and also to his hometown’s Art Gallery of Hamilton, which he appreciates for supporting local artists and maintaining a strong contemporary Canadian art collection.
Everything Was So Pretty is a space where viewers are invited to see the world through eyes untainted by cynicism, to embrace whimsy, and to acknowledge the complexities behind idyllic memories. Altena’s work reminds us that beauty is not just surface deep; it’s interwoven with memory, identity and the universal human desire to belong.
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