Breathe
to
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies 111 Bear Street (PO Box 160), Banff, Alberta T1L 1A3
Teresa Burrows, “Cease & Desist: the Bearded Lady Mask,” 2020, 70” x 50” x 10” (image courtesy Nathalie Bertin)
Breathe is a collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through the 21st century. Co-created by Métis artists, Nathalie Bertin and Lisa Shepherd, artists were invited to create masks which reflect emotions felt during the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Realizing the entire world was being affected by the pandemic, they expanded their call to any artist that would like to create a mask that reflects their culture and art practice.
Included with each mask is a story by the maker reflecting the variety of emotions currently being felt around the world. From fear, sadness, hope, and love, these stories are unique and beautiful. This exhibition will inspire and challenge visitors to consider their own resilience in the face of a pandemic.