Taanishi! Hello! My name is sharai mustatia aka princess shredder.


As a guest residing on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), əl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ/ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples, commonly known as Vancouver, BC, I navigate life drawing strength from my diverse ancestry and the lands that cradle my existence.

My roots span the Red River Métis and Romania, with my birthplace nestled in Treaty 4, also known as Regina, Saskatchewan. Along the journey of self-healing and discovery, photography emerges as a powerful tool in my recovery from complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Through the lens, I find solace and a sense of belonging, thus replacing the isolating veil of trauma with interconnectedness.

In my pursuit of understanding my Métis identity and ancestral lineage, photography is my guiding light. My artistic expression is through experimental film and techniques. Weaving layers of meaning, to evoke emotional responses to my images. I manipulate colour, distort time and place, and create embedded messages that reflect my quest for identity, place, and belonging.

Photography isn’t merely an art form for me; it's a lifeline through life's chaotic moments, a means to unearth the intrinsic beauty within, and a pathway to transformative healing. With every click of the shutter, I exhale stress and grief, which brings me closer to inner joy and peace.

Collaboration fuels my creative spirit. I revel in merging ideas through crafting images that resonate with pride and authenticity. Recently, I created an analogue photography workshop, a space where I share the craft's secrets of intentional experimentation gleaned from over a decade of learning. Guiding others through the magic of film photography brings me immense joy. Shining light on  the transformative power of creativity nestled within each individual, is my superpower.

My journey is an amalgamation of resilience, artistic expression, and a relentless pursuit of identity and belonging. Through photography, I aim not just to capture moments in time but to also unravel the depth of human experience through visual storytelling. 

It is my absolute pleasure to invite others to partake in this enchanting voyage of self-discovery and healing.


- Marsee,  mulțumesc (Thank you)

sharai mustatia






Curriculum Vitae


Group Exhibitions

  • 2024 Vancouver Civic Theatres - Visual Arts Gallery Program - Queen Elizabeth Theatre (on exhibit April 9 to June 25, 2024)
  • Long Live the '90s New York City - Lomography X Penumbra Foundation (2023)
  • Vancity Credit Union Gallery - Robson Street Branch, Vancouver (2020)
  • Blank Spaces - Print Magazine - Vol. 5, Issue 2 (2020)
  • Back Alley Gallery Project - Vancouver (2018)
  • Beaumont Studios - Vancouver (2017)
  • Science World - Vancouver (2016)

Solo Exhibitions

  • 'here I am' - B1 Gallery, Beaumont Studios, Vancouver (2023)
  • "HOLD ON/LET GO" - The Burrow Restaurant Gallery, Vancouver (2019)
  • "LOSS & RECOVERY" - Cafe Deux Soleils, Vancouver (2019)
  • "Messages" - Jericho Arts Centre Theatre, Vancouver (2019)
  • "Perspectives" - Naam Restaurant Gallery, Vancouver (2019)
  • DENMAN STREET - Milano Cafe Gallery, Vancouver (2017)

Publications & Media

  • BOLD JOURNEY Magazine - Interview (2023)
  • SAD Magazine - WILD Issue 33 (2022) - Featured artist with 4 images paired with an article
  • IN OUR OWN ABORIGINAL VOICE 2 - Images and poetry published in anthology (2020)

Commissioned Work

  • Commissioned work for Patrick Baylis (2022) - Private Collection
  • Ongoing collaboration and commissioned work with Jeanette Kotowich (2022)
  • Commissioned work for Jay Penner (2022) - Private Collection
  • Commissioned work for Skeena Reece (2021) - Private collection with photography shown at the 'Interior Infinite' Exhibition - The Polygon Gallery

Awards & Recognition

  • Artist To Watch Award - Beaumont Studios - B1 Gallery (2022)