An Exhibition by Erica Bergsmeds at Farsight Collective Gallery in Soho, London.

In an era where perfection is edited, curated and filtered into existence, Swedish-born artist Erica Bergsmeds asks a simple but piercing question: what remains when the mask slips?

Her latest exhibition, Masked: A Story of Hidden Faces, produced in support of Leica UK and photographed entirely on the Leica Q3 43, is a bold, cinematic exploration of identity, illusion and the roles we perform. Created in collaboration with Talvry and Andrew Masanto, the series continues Bergsmeds’ fascination with socially driven storytelling, work that exists somewhere between fashion editorial and psychological portraiture.

Erica Bergsmeds at her Farsight Gallery exhibition in London

The setting was no accident. Held at Farsight Collective Gallery on Flitcroft & Denmark Street, just off Tottenham Court Road, the space felt both intimate and electric. “Farsight is an amazing creative venue,” Bergsmeds says. “I’m so grateful for the collaboration. The gallery itself — and the location — is incredible.” The energy of central London pulsed outside, while inside, silver-brushed aluminium works caught and reflected the light like fragments of an unguarded self.

Erica Bergsmeds wearing Benedict Lamb for the opening evening

Though some viewers assumed the work had been shot in Las Vegas — thanks to the appearance of a glowing Vegas-style sign — every image was in fact photographed in Soho, London. That tension between perception and reality sits at the heart of the exhibition. Illusion is powerful. Context is everything.

Co curator Andrew Masanto and Erica Bergsmeds

Guests enjoying the art and dj sets while sipping their MarGin drinks and Diablo wine

Andrew Masanto and Erica Bergsmeds wearing the masks, showing the photographers what it was like behind the scenes.

The silver brushed aluminium pieces by Erica Bergsmeds

Bergsmeds spent six months perfecting the brushed aluminium prints, her trademark medium. Eighteen pieces were installed for the show, each one signed and numbered as part of a limited edition of four. The materiality matters: aluminium gives the works a cool, metallic permanence while amplifying the theatricality of the imagery. Masks — including the now-iconic bear — conceal as much as they reveal.

The opening night was less a private view and more a celebration. Guests didn’t just observe the work — they became part of it. Bear masks were worn, poses were struck, and the gallery floor turned into an impromptu stage. “There was so much play and dancing,” Bergsmeds reflects. “Seeing guests enjoy wearing the masks and posing in front of the art — that made the night.”

Curating Team Talvry: Andrrew Masanto, Czen Tayag and Megan Farmer with Erica

Guests Ebba Thott, Hoda Davaine and Azzi Glasser

The exhibition was powered by an extensive creative community. Andrew Masanto, Talvry and the gallery team — Sean, Euan and Ellie — were instrumental in bringing it to life. Models Molly Wagner, Julia Hurley, Andrew Masanto and Kylie Olsson embodied the spirit of the series. DJs Pips Taylor and Jules Cameron with Jemma Bolt set the tone. Sponsors, including Diablo Wine, MarGin and All In Beer, kept glasses raised. Behind the scenes, event art direction by Zoë Zeppel and production support from Megan Farmer, Czen Tayag, Molly Wagner and Andrew ensured the vision translated seamlessly into space.

Mari Ikonen and the Leica Head Office team, together with Erica Bergsmeds, who photographed the entire exhibition using the Leica Q3 43.

Kylie Olsson in front of the artwork she is featured in

Star Dj Pips Taylor spinning great tunes during the exhibition’s opening night

Erica with the Dj’s of the night, Jemma Bolt and Jules Cameron

Joanne Froggatt and Erica Bergsmeds enjoying the evening

Bergsmeds is no stranger to impact. Her debut solo exhibition, Motion in Emotion, was described by the Evening Standard as “blowing minds.” Since then, she has presented multiple solo exhibitions across London, secured high-profile commissions across the UK, and collaborated with international fashion magazines and brands. As the founder and creative director of Blowout Magazine, and with her award-winning short film Fallen Dream screening internationally, she continues to evolve her multidisciplinary approach.

Yet Masked feels particularly timely. It holds up a mirror — not just to its subjects, but to its audience. In a culture obsessed with polished surfaces, Bergsmeds invites us to consider the beauty, vulnerability and even chaos beneath.

When the masks come off, what remains is not perfection — but truth. And perhaps that is far more compelling.

Erica with Ellie Rai, the puppy Meena and Farsight Gallery Owner Euan Johnston

Credits

Artist: Erica Bergsmeds – @ericabergsmeds
Produced in support from: Leica UK – @leicauk
Collaborators: Talvry & Andrew Masanto – @andrewmasa

Gallery Partner: Farsight Collective Gallery – @farsightgallery

Gallery Team: Euan Johnston, Sean Mclusky & Ellie Rai – @farsightgallery

Art Direction & Features Producer: Zoë Zeppel – @zoezeppel
Production: Megan Farmer – @megsannabelle & Czen Tayag @czeninee

Models: Julia Hurley - @juliahurley, Kylie Olsson – @kylieolsson, Andrew Masanto – @andrewmasa and Molly Wagner — @mollyesmereldawagner

DJs: Pips Taylor – @pips_taylor and Jules Cameron - @thejulescameron with Jemma Bolt @jemmabolt

Event Photography:

Chris Harvey @theshowbizscene

Rash: @rashkphotography

Linda Dunwin @creativemissl

Glam team from So Me @so_mebeauty

Sponsors:

All In Beer – @allinbrew