Whether behind the lens or at the sewing machine, Colin J Muise is reimagining commonplace objects and icons. Over the past year, Muise — a self-taught tailor and photographer — has been churning out fashion-forward interpretations of Nova Scotian landmarks, lighthouses, clock towers and the like. Manipulating textiles and toying with perspective and proportion, Muise has been able to capture the locally revered landmarks in a new medium. The works, collectively known as “Becoming Halifax”, have attracted an audience, patiently awaiting the next piece. Muise’s body of work has been featured on various news broadcasts and radio shows and shared thousands of times across social media. In the fall of 2022, Muise undertook his first exhibition at the Creative Nova Scotia Awards, where select costumes were modelled. In the spring of 2023, they made another appearance on the red carpet at the East Coast Music Awards. Inspired by the often unassuming symbols and icons of local culture, Muise seeks to reinvent the entire cityscape into a fresh medium.