The Haykowsky’s - Dother Maughter

Carmella and Mika Haykowsky — a mother/daughter duo based in Edmonton, AB, are featured in this month’s gallery.

Ten years ago, they presented their work together at The Carrot, which was Mika's first time exhibiting. A decade later, with more insights into their creative practice, more experience exhibiting, and more education, these two accredited artists are eager to show new work. The exhibition title is a play on the mother-daughter, "Dother Maughter," and their hope is to play on the collaborative influence of close family bonds on their creative work. This manifests in many ways, namely through depictions of each other in artwork.

Carmella Haykowsky contrasts her daughter Mika’s surreal work with a dramatic yet realist portrait-style. The work takes a darker approach to the ordinary life of a mother, with shots of women figures sitting alone, pondering, and of course drinking coffee. The use of a grey scale brilliantly contrasts the deep oranges and warm colours which brings the portraits to life. The scale offers a calming and authentic experience to its audience. While some of the subjects within the portraits express a sense of tranquillity and peace, others express a deep sense of anxiety and even distress which gives these works a true feel to the life of the ordinary individual.

Mika Haykowsky Drawing in Circles collection brilliantly exhibits a spectrum of colours with its astral and psychedelic vibe. The soft pastel art was created with the practice of automatic drawing, which gives the work its elegant and plasmic flow. Drawing in Circles offers a dimensional expedition into the unconscious through the complexity of its organic architecture. These works were manifested with the intention for the audience to stop, pause, and experience both the arousal and dormancy that they offer.

Instagram: @kahousemi

Website: www.mikah.ca