THE BONES BENEATH | MYA CLUFF

**The Bones Beneath | Mya Cluff**

"The Bones Beneath" is an evocative art exhibition by Mya Cluff, a studio artist residing in Belgrade, Montana. This introspective show delves into the fragile balance between life and death through the lens of motherhood, as Cluff reflects on her experiences raising three children. The exhibition's title is inspired by tender moments with her kids, where she senses their delicate skeletons beneath their skin, highlighting the intertwined themes of strength and mortality.

Instead of directly representing her children's fragility, Cluff’s works express her personal anxieties and fears through symbols like the pelvis and abstract female figures textured like fur. This visual language aims to encapsulate the complexities and sensitivities of maternal anxiety while seeking beauty amid uncertainty.

Cluff’s artistic exploration was catalyzed during her BFA studies at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, coinciding with the birth of her first daughter. Her work is informed by personal experiences, peer narratives, and maternal feminist theory, aiming to present a nuanced view of motherhood beyond simplified archetypes. Cluff has been part of numerous residency programs, including at Red Lodge Clay Center and Pentaculum at Arrowmont, and her art has been exhibited internationally. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's in Fine Art at Montana State University, with an anticipated graduation in 2028. For more details, visit salemart.org/events/the-bones-beneath-mya-cluff/.