RYTHYMS

As I move through life, I discover pockets of rhythm that quietly reignite my soul. Often small and unassuming, they pulse with a shared humanity, subtle antidotes to the loneliness and divisive fear that haunts modern life. Though they transcend borders, these rhythms are often rooted in collective cultures and traditions, gentle reminders that we are meant to move through life together. I find them in generations of chess players in public parks, their laughter and quiet focus weaving time into a single moment. In the choreographed chaos of scooter traffic, where honks are not aggression but part of a larger, understood language of their own. In barbershops, where clippers and conversation create a kind of social jazz. In clusters of plastic chairs outside corner stores, where people pause to connect in silence or idle talk. In kitchens, where the hiss of onions, the rhythm of a knife, and the hum of background music create a sacred tempo of daily life. These spaces in between teach me that “time well wasted” is not wasted at all—it’s where life’s richest rhythms reside.

Whether I’m capturing the essence of an individual or place, painting a singular portrait or creating a collection, my art is a fusion of realism, abstraction and spontaneity. It is a celebration of the multifaceted nature of identity, revealing the beauty that lies at the intersection of precision and chaos. When painting portraits, I strive to capture not just the likeness of my subjects but their spirit, stories, emotions and subtle nuances that make them unique. This dedication to detail serves as a foundation for my exploration of the chaotic and abstract. Here, I embrace the unpredictability, allowing colours and forms to collide and dance across the canvas. This chaos represents the raw, unfiltered aspects of life; its uncertainties and complexities. The act of scribbling is liberating, reflecting the unstructured nature of ideas and feelings that often accompany the creative process. It reminds us that not everything needs to be polished; sometimes, the most profound expressions arise from the simplest forms. Through these works, I invite viewers to engage with the tumultuous beauty of existence, encouraging them to find meaning in the disarray. These elements create a rich tapestry of human experience.

MADS

Madison Higginbotham, Mads, is a self-taught painter based in Vancouver, Canada. Growing up in a family that cherished the arts, Mads was encouraged to express her creativity through drawing and painting from an early age. While her initial career path led her to earn a BA in Corporate Communications and a Graphic Design Certificate, the call to paint professionally became stronger and stronger. After stepping back into the art world, Mads discovered her true passion lies in blending realistic portraiture with chaotic abstraction. Her work explores the beauty in everyday moments, capturing the complexity of the human experience through vibrant colours and dynamic forms.

MADS WEBSITE