Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland in 1985, Mike Gough holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (2007) and a Master of Fine Arts from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, England (2010).
Gough’s practice is rooted in the exploration of personal narratives, drawing upon the landscapes and experiences of his upbringing in Newfoundland. Through his work, Gough dissects the complexities of memory, presenting fragmented yet enduring visions where the constant is the seemingly timeless Newfoundland landscape. His recent work continues to explore memory-based themes, incorporating Newfoundland’s cultural and natural iconography to reflect on the dynamic relationship between place and identity.
Gough’s work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, including over twenty solo exhibitions. His paintings are held in prominent private, corporate, and public collections, including The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, Humber College, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, the City of St. John’s, and Global Affairs Canada.
Among his numerous accolades, Gough is the recipient of the Laura Ciruls Painting Fund (2020), the Excellence in Visual Arts (EVA) People’s Choice Award (2015), and multiple Arts and Letters Awards. In 2013, he was shortlisted for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council’s Emerging Artist of the Year. His residencies include the Elbow Room Residency Program at The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery (2013) and 2 Rooms Contemporary Art Projects in Duntara, NL (2016).
About this collection:
Title: Passing Through
This series of paintings reflects on the ways we seek solitude and connection in the landscapes we inhabit. While much of my work is rooted in the rugged terrain of Newfoundland, these paintings expand on that dialogue, drawing inspiration from the mountains, lakes, and waterways I encountered during travels over the past year. Together, they reflect a broader conversation between the places we pass through and the places we carry with us.
The simplicity of these compositions, stripped of unnecessary detail, allow the forms and spaces to become a framework for reflection—an entry point to consider how we exist within the land. The introduction of structures and figures, aim to create a sense of narrative while emphasizing the vastness of the surrounding environment. These elements anchor us within the scene, making the enormity of the landscape feel even more profound.
Whether it’s the unbroken horizon of the ocean or the quiet weight of a distant mountain, these works explore the duality of the land as both a refuge and a keeper of our memories. They remind us that these spaces—both near and far—shape who we are, holding onto the moments we leave behind and offering us the freedom to reflect and escape.
