Canadian Cyanotype, Then and Now: A Panel Discussion

Since its invention in the mid-1800s, cyanotype has been embraced by photographers, scientists, printmakers and artists.

Join Mireille Perron (Professor Emeritus), Leia Guo (BFA '22, Glass and BDes '23, Photography) and Cy Yang-Smith (BDes '16, Photography)  for a discussion on the historical and contemporary impact of cyanotype. Since its invention in the mid-1800s, cyanotype has been embraced by photographers, scientists, printmakers, and artists for its accessibility and expressive potential. The speakers will discuss past and present Canadian cyanotypists and how their work has contributed to community-building, scientific inquiry, identity, and creative experimentation.

Whether you are a beginner photographer looking to explore analog techniques, or a seasoned image-maker, this panel might just inspire you to incorporate cyanotypes into your own photography practice.

Cy Yang-Smith (they/them) is a visual artist and photographer currently based in Treaty 7 territory. They hold a Bachelor of Design in Photography from Alberta University of the Arts (2016) and currently work as the Photography Facilitator at Banff Centre for Arts + Creativity. They use analogue photography, graphic design, and text, to explore themes of intergenerational storytelling and cultural iconography in their practice. Yang-Smith’s work has been featured in several solo and group exhibitions in Moh’kins’tsis,Calgary Alberta and the surrounding area. They retain an active commercial practice shooting for a number of local and international clients across Canada.

Mireille Perron (she/her/elle) was born in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal, Québec. Since 1989 she has been working and living in Moh’kins’tsis /Calgary, Alberta. She is Professor Emerita at Alberta University of the Arts (former ACAD). Perron is the founder of the Laboratory of Feminist Pataphysics (2000), a social experiment that masquerades as works of art/craft/events.

Leia Guo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary visual artist and educator living in Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary, Alberta). Her practice spans cyanotype, film photography, glassblowing, and stained glass. Her work blurs the line between photographic and glassmaking processes and explores how craft objects can be both final pieces and part of something more. Leia holds a BFA (2022) and BDes (2023) from AUArts and a BEd from U of C (2026). Leia has exhibited locally and internationally with the Alberta Craft Council, CARFAC Alberta, Glass Art Association of Canada, Exposure Photography Festival, Glass Art Society, and more.

Co-sponsored by Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development.

Always free. Everyone welcome.

Leia Guo, Scrappy #2