Surfacing – an exhibition by Miya Turnbull at CBU Art Gallery

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an image of four masks mounted on a wall
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Sydney & Area

Oct 17 – Feb 6

About

Miya Turnbull is a multi-disciplinary visual artist based in Kjipuktuk [Halifax], Nova Scotia who grew up as a farm kid near Onoway, Alberta. She works in many different mediums including mask-making, photography, animation, video, performance, paintings and textiles.

For the past several years, Turnbull has been focusing on making self-portraits, using her photo-mask technique to make life-like representations of her face. She often distorts and manipulates her image in various ways, which she then wears as a ‘false face’, as a way to explore persona and identity, including her own mixed Japanese Canadian/British Canadian ancestry.
"My masks are three-dimensional self-portraits—a combination of photography, sculpture and collage,” says Turnbull. “They are photo-realistic but often altered; for example, I might change the placement or even erase select facial features, or cut up and re-attach masks together in unusual combinations. I use photo elements within my work to create an uncanny resemblance within my masks, in addition to capturing images of myself wearing these facades.”
Turnbull draws from the traditional uses of masks worn for disguise, transformation and protection, and as symbols for persona, self-image and identity.
“Ironically, I am placing my face on the front of the mask at the same time concealing my ‘self’ behind it,” she explains. “I can then manipulate how you see me. By keeping my image a constant, I am able to experiment with multiple iterations and further explore my bi-racial heritage, experiences, perceptions and inner world, making these visible, tangible and wearable."
Surfacing is a combination of self-portrait masks, sculptures, origami, portraits, painting/collages, skin-suit dolls, video performances and video projection. The exhibition is on until February 6, 2026.
10am-12pm / 1-4pm | free
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Location & Contact

136 University Boulevard, Sydney, Nova Scotia

1-902-563-1342

art_gallery@cbu.ca

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