Steve Rockwell: Meditations in Space Opening Reception
June 5, 2025, 6 – 8pm / Sheff Contemporary, 1276 Danforth Ave, Toronto
Steve Rockwell holding the d’Art burger issue of d’Art magazine
Steve Rockwell, artist, publisher of d’Art International magazine and co-publisher of Artoronto.ca and I could possibly add archivist to his list of roles in the Toronto art scene. In 1988 Rockwell pounded the pavement visiting as many galleries as he could and had them all listed in tiny cubes in a box like frame. The black shoes that took him on this journey were encased in an acrylic glass case. All the galleries he visited are listed on the sides of the glass case.
Gallery Space (Shoes), 1988, acrylic, wood floor, shoes, 14 x 14 x 15 inches (left) and Gallery Space, 1988, house paint on mahogony panel and card, laser transfer text, 14 x 14 x 2 inches (right)
Rockwell painted his portrait on several canvases sporting a goutee.
Meditations on Space, 1996, acrylic on masonite, 32 x 32 inches (Inspired by the September 20, 1995 visit to Galerie Jamile Weber in Zurich, Switzerland)
Delicious d’Art burgers were served by Saeed Muhamed, now the owner of Sheff Contemporary. The walls in the back were covered with oil and collaged works derived from d’Art magazine pages.
Steve Rockwell introduces d’Art magazine pages to visitors
A video in the back room screened the making of the d’Art burger with several artists portrayed as part of that issue. Several colleagues took time out to catch Rockwell’s exhibit. Curator, artist and art educator Janet Bellotto was present with her husband as was co publisher of Artoronto.ca, Emese Krunak-Hajagos. Together Steve, Emese and I started Artoronto.ca over 14 years ago.
Chantel Blicker (left) and Roy Bernardi (right)
Dick Van Wyck (left) with Steve Rockwell (right)
(L-R) Steve Rockwell, Janet Bellotto and Sumi Ghose
Rockwell had recently gone on a similar journey to document the current roster of art galleries in Toronto, so it was of interest to compare the 1988 compilation with the present. Meditations in Space is a clever and engaging exhibit presented by Steve Rockwell capturing the past and bringing us to the present. The exhibit continues for the month of June; you can visit by appointment only (416-792-7792).
Text and photo: Phil Anderson