Who am I to you?

September 25-October 24, 2021

“Who Am I To You?” is a multidisciplinary exhibition that explores potential relationships between various environments, human self-awareness, and mental wellness. Through installation, photography, and drawing, this exhibition offers several facets of experience for the viewer to connect with. Featuring an online show as well as augmented reality for viewers to discover in real spaces (both at Xchanges gallery and several locations in Victoria), the interactive display methods bolster themes considered in the artworks. “Who Am I To You” is presented online during the national Culture Days, event and on Sunday, October 10th there will be an Artist Talk online on the theme of human self-awareness.

There will be a virtual show opening on Saturday, September 25th, from 7-8 PM PST.

There will be a virtual artist talk on Sunday, October 24th at 1:30 pm.

Register for both events using the buttons at the bottom of this page.

About the Artist

Elly Heise is a Norwegian-Canadian artist. 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. She is currently working on a new series which she began while attending residencies from August-October in Switzerland and Portugal. Currently based in Canada, Heise is now focusing on actively exhibiting throughout North America while pursuing international opportunities. As of August 01, 2021, she is represented through the Sweet Pea Gallery in Victoria, B.C.


In 2014-2015 Heise received international recognition through numerous noteworthy publications for her viral photography series “#daughterdoesmymakeup” (now renamed “Skins”). She is also the 2018 Emerging Photographers showcase winner for Alberta’s Exposure Festival. Heise spent the spring of 2018 in residency at Finnskogen, Norway working on her solo exhibition “Kin”. Heise is currently exhibiting throughout Western Canada.

Artist 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.

You can find more information about the artist at the following links:

Website: https://ellyheise.ca
Instagram: @ellyheise
Facebook: ellyheise