Washing Clothes, Turkey 1992/97 by Fern Helfand

Fern Helfand

Fern Helfand is a photo‑based artist and educator who has lived and worked in Canada, Southeast Asia and Mexico. Originally from London, Ontario, she has taught at Western University, Universiti Sains Malaysia and, since 2003, at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Her practice explores issues of cultural observation, ecology, tourism and the changing nature of photography. Helfand combines analogue and digital techniques, using montage to compress vast panoramas into single images that convey the complex experience of place. She continues to exhibit internationally and mentor young artists. I have always used the camera to observe and comment on contemporary culture and the surrounding environment, pushing beyond documentary by joining and manipulating photographs to create believable combinations that convey my experience of a place or event. Since 2020 Fern has contributed as an advisor to the Embassy Cultural House.