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).