Bio
Elly Heise is a Canadian interdisciplinary artist with Norwegian and German parentage. Heise attended the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver where she got her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2015, majoring in Photography. In the Spring of 2020, she obtained her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria. Heise was recently awarded a Canada Council project grant for her latest exhibition “Who Am I To You?” with Xchanges Gallery in Victoria B.C. Heise is now focusing on actively pursuing both national and international opportunities.
Statement
My current research examines how human perception and self-awareness is shaped, with a focus on the influence of photography, memory, and natural environments. While photography comprises the core of my artistic practice, I often meld this medium with installation, textiles, and drawing. I am interested in showcasing various facets of perception to the viewer so they can situate themselves in relation to the concepts explored. I often show human subjects in my artwork to highlight our literal physicality in relation to the portrayed environments. From skin forms, to x-rays, to retinal scans, the abstracted bodily forms are intended to give a visualisation to how we potentially shape and understand ourselves through subconscious interpretations of what we are exposed to.
All images ©ellyheise.ca