The Sculptors Society of Canada has been a cornerstone of the Toronto art community for decades. Presently, the gallery thrives within the Metro Toronto Multimedia College campus, a private design-focused institution located in North York. The exhibit, On the Edge, features a remarkable collection of sculptures that challenge the limits of form and dimension through the innovative use of natural stones and minerals. The Sculptors Society of Canada remains dedicated to showcasing and supporting both established and emerging artists. This exhibition exemplifies this commitment by offering a platform for sculptors to explore new techniques and concepts while inviting viewers to engage with the art in a meaningful way.
Installation view of On The Edge.
Tom Ashbourne is a self-taught sculptor who specializes in stone as a medium. Through the skillful manipulation of colour, shapes, and texture he created “The Dancer,” an innovative work that transcends the conventional constraints of sculptural techniques. Crafted from calcite, this sculpture exquisitely captures the dynamic essence of dance while simultaneously inviting viewers to engage with its abstract and thought-provoking elements, most notably the strategically carved central void that disrupts the fluidity of the piece and compels contemplation.
Tom Ashbourne, The Dancer, calcite and granite base
Alfred Engerer is a distinguished artist known for adeptly channelling personal experiences, historical insights, and emotional reflections into evocative sculptural works. In “Coral Garden,” Engerer masterfully employs solid worked glass to create a captivating coral-inspired sculpture that invites viewers to explore its intricate details. The artist’s use of a vibrant colour palette, featuring hues of green, yellow, blue, and red, accentuates the delicate layered complexity of the piece, reflecting Engerer’s deep connection to the natural world and its mesmerizing beauty.
Alfred Engerer, Coral Garden, Solid-worked glass and cast glass base (left) and detail (right)
Elizabeth Merei’s exquisite glass sculpture, “Blue Torso,” offers a captivating representation of the female form that instantly draws the viewer’s attention. The deep blue hue of the glass imbues the piece with an emotive essence, heightening the resonance of the artwork. Despite its small size, the dynamic pose of the sculpture ensures that it stands out as a powerful testament to Merei’s artistic vision and technical mastery. In her artistic practice, Merei reveals a deep connection to the medium of stone, stemming from her European background and the rich architectural history of Hungary, Turkey, Italy, and Greece. The artist’s deft manipulation of proportion further enhances the visual impact of “Blue Torso,” showcasing her ability to balance elegance and potency within a single, compelling work.
Elizabeth Merei, Blue Torso, glass and alabaster base
The exhibition successfully highlights the extraordinary talents of both established and emerging artists, challenging viewers to engage with the art on a deeper level. The artists showcase their unique approaches to sculpting, demonstrating the versatility of materials like stone and glass in conveying powerful messages and emotions.
Text and photo: Kaya Meziane
*Exhibition information: On The Edge / Group show, curated by Judi Michelle Young, October 12, 2024 – January 10, 2025, Canadian Sculpture Centre, 95 Moatfield Drive, 5th Floor, North York. Gallery hours: Tue – Fri 12 – 5 pm.