Spotlight Artist

April Werle

West
Artist profile photo

You think this will work?

Black hand gestures by candles, plant, photos, and a mirror on a table.

acrylic and stain on wood panel

“This is how you measure rice.”

Surreal kitchen scene with grayscale hands at a sink and a colorful window view.

acrylic and stain on wood panel

Candle Study V

A ghostly figure lights a candle in front of a mirror reflecting black-and-white hands.

acrylic and stain on wood panel

Featured in New American Paintings1 / 3

Artist Statement

My work features disembodied hand characters experiencing life in vibrant, colorful settings that contrast from their grayscale forms. In close proximity to these figures, viewers are invited into intimate moments that depict important nostalgic memories—scenes portraying fundamental experiences that shape the characters’ sense-of-self. Inspired by family memories and 90s-00s American Pop TV, my work references images and cultural narratives that portray duality and conflicting cultural influence. Windows, mirrors, and screens are often seen in the work as reflective surfaces, as well as barriers within the narratives. With distorted space and color inspired by cartoons, I play with the idea that nostalgic memories can be both happy and filled with grief. From paintings, installation, and writing, my work explores memory and the evolving awareness of belonging.

Artist's Additional works

Works shared by the artist outside of their featured New American Paintings selections

Acrylic and stain on wood panel
It's fun! For the whole family - 2026Acrylic and stain on wood panel, 30 x 40 inches
Acrylic and stain on wood panel
Is that so? - 2026Acrylic and stain on wood panel, 24 x 24 inches
Acrylic and stain on wood panel
Wake up Dear, it's time to go home - 2026Acrylic and stain on wood panel, 36 x 36 inches
Acrylic and stain on wood panel
How come Dad isn't a cowboy? - 2026Acrylic and stain on wood panel, 24 x 36 inches

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Residencies

  • Open AIR, Missoula, MT, US
  • PlatteForum, Denver, CO, US
  • Emerging Artist Res., Centrum Foundation, Port Townsend, WA, US

Solo Exhibitions

  • Our Sometimes Home, Glacier Art Museum, Kalispell, MT, US
  • I Live With a Ghost, PlatteForum, Denver, CO, US
  • My Other Half, Chase Gallery, Spokane, WA, US
  • Secret Life of a Multicultural..., Bell Projects, Denver, CO, US
  • Halo-Halo: The Mixed Children, ZACC, Missoula, MT, US
  • Mga Hunghong Sa Diwata, Holter Museum of Art, Helena, MT, US

Selected Group Exhibitions

  • Mixed Feelings: Existing in the..., Brea Gallery, Brea, CA, US
  • Brown Palms, Yellow Balms..., SOMArts, San Francisco, CA, US
  • 19 Under 39, Montana Museum of Art and Culture, Missoula, MT, US

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