Pixel Heller: Northern Shadows, Northern Spirits - The Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Overview

Pixel Heller explores Black identity and resistance through costume design, performance, and photography, drawing inspiration from the masquerade (mas) tradition of Caribbean Carnival. During her residency at the gallery, Heller produced garments and accessories for three traditional mas characters—the Moko Jumbie, Midnight Robber, and Jumbies. She presents those pieces alongside photographs of costumed performances by the artist and her friends in various public sites around Oshawa, including Club Carib and Lakeview Park.

Exhibition Dates

• June 14, 2025 – August 10, 2025

About the Artist

Pixel Heller is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Toronto, Canada. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cross Disciplinary Studies with a specialization in Life Studies from OCAD University in 2024. Her work has been showcased at Gallery 1313, Meridian Arts Centre, Yonge and Dundas Square, and internationally at the Black Brazil Art Biennial. Her artwork is featured in The Wedge Collection and Stikeman Elliott Private Collection.

Curator

Hannah Keating

Upcoming Events

• June 21: Opening celebration of three new exhibitions and launch of the Star Glyph Garden in The Backyard, featuring exhibition tour, art activities, and refreshments. Artists and curators in attendance at 1:45pm for exhibition tour.
• Convergence 2025 event in downtown Oshawa featuring a performance by artist in residence Pixel Heller.

Support

The RBC Emerging Artist Residency Program is generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation's Emerging Artist Project.