Mika Haykowsky | Superspreader
Open Studio: July 3–August 13
Exhibition: August 14–September 25, 2021
Opening Day: Saturday August 14, 12–5 pm
“Superspreader” images courtesy of the artist.
Includes Photographs made in collaboration with Liam Mackenzie
“Knitting-circle” style Workshop with Breanna Barrington: Saturday September 4 at 2 pm
Mika describes “Superspreader” as “a visual, tactile and research-based exploration of intimacy, barriers between bodies, and public healing”. Their sprawling practice includes drawing, installation, and video, and their plans suggest a “colourful and mercurial landscape” evolving in the space throughout the studio period.
Mika continues to be fascinated by the ways that the last year plus has affected our conception of space-making and the ways that we suspend and restrain the body. This project asks: “What do these new and imposed public barriers, shields, and masks inflict on our nervous system as they restrict physical contact from others?...How can I portray these feelings of stretched isolation and the vastness of our bodies?”
Nominated by peer artist and collaborator Liam Mackenzie, Haykowsky is inspired by connections built and embodied through long-distance digital intimacy, and the altered sense of time that the past year has produced. Mackenzie joined Mika for studio sessions during the July residency session, and their photographic collaboration is included in this show.
Mika Haykowsky also welcomes collaborator Breanna Barrington into the space for a “knitting-circle” style workshop September 4. To participate RSVP here.
Mika Haykowsky is a multimedia artist based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan. From their vibrant studio, Mika launches into creative projects that flow through the body, intimacy, and mediated healing. Their work creates a site of uncomfortable union between objects designed for the body, digital reproductions of their body, and the host body (you). Mika received an MFA in 2019 from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and a BFA in 2016 from the University of Alberta. They continue to exhibit internationally and virtually, while striving to work with community, collaboration and teaching.
This initiative has been made possible with funding assistance from the Edmonton Arts Council’s Connections & Exchanges Initiatives Grant. This program supports artistic experiments, organizational development, strategic planning and other activities that connect to the Aims, Ambitions and Actions outlined in Connections & Exchanges: A 10-Year Plan to Transform Arts and Heritage in Edmonton.
