Winona Julian
ARTIST BIO
Winona Julian (she/they) is an emerging artist residing in Mokhkinstsís (Calgary, AB). She completed her BFA with distinction at Alberta University of the Arts (2020) with a major in Media Arts and a minor in Animation. Currently, she works at The New Gallery as their Programming Co-Director. She also facilitates & curates TNG's online exhibition space, "Mainframe".
In her artistic practice, she explores themes of death, transformation, and the mystical, utilizing animal remains and plastics as core elements of her work. Through the use of organic materials and synthetic substances, she explores the balance between nature and artificiality. Shaping these materials into powerful symbols of resilience and transformation, her artwork encourages a dialogue about the cycles of existence and intersections of life and death.
PROJECT STATEMENT
Earth Angels is a series of photographs that focuses on city animals that have passed on. A small halo made out of a Dollarama costume headband is used to stage each photograph. In this instance, the use of the halo references its use in many cultures throughout history, the circle being a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death. The use of this cheap, plastic and mass-produced material calls attention to the value we place on objects and living beings within a capitalist society. Collecting second-hand photo frames and found-objects which carry their own histories and energy, I imbue meaning into each photograph through spellwork and ritual. Each framed photograph acts as a charm or talisman. These images and sculptural elements honor the animal that has passed by infusing hope that they have moved on to a better place.
