Canadian sculptor John McEwen displays beautifully rugged sculptural pieces at the Olga Korper Gallery in his exhibition Field Notes.
Installation view of John McEwen, Field Notes at Olga Korper Gallery
The works invite the public to reflect on the relationship between the environment in which the artworks reside in and with the sculptures themselves. This is not a new theme in McEwen’s work. Perhaps you remember the standing wolf sculptures placed sporadically throughout woodlands or other large sculptures that reside in city centers of the Canadian metropolises. However, in the large, lofty, illuminated space of Olga Korper Gallery the pieces take on a different meaning.
John McEwen, Privy Paw Two, 2020, flame cut steel, limestone, 30 x 61 x 19 inches
Before even entering the gallery, one is welcomed by a large, sculpted skull made of rusted steel. The astonishing size of the piece paired with the miniscule star fragments that make up the ghostly figure is a wonderfully shocking preface to what awaits inside.
John McEwen, Skull, 2015, corten steel, 73 x 24 x 42 inches
Upon entering the industrial space, tens of sculptures are representing our natural world. The contrast between the soft white walls and the rugged appearance of the steel sculptures makes the works outstanding. Many of the sculptures feature wolf figures, a recurring motif in the artist’s work. The pieces remind us of the often-forgotten connection between humans and animals.
John McEwen, Wolf Stream, 2013, flame cut steel, 57 x 74 inches
Another recurring motif is the star, a gesture to the universe that envelops our life. It is also an extremely important reminder that humans, fauna, and flora all share one world beneath one starry sky canopy.
John McEwen, Supernova, 2024, laser cut corten steel, 57 x 66 x 31 inches
The texture of the rusted steel gives each piece an originality that cannot be recreated. Exploring solid and porous bodies and vessels, examining and investigating wolves, crows, horses, and camels — each sculpture tells its own story through the starry pores that shape the natural subjects.
John McEwen (L-R): Diana (Horse Head), 2024, laser cut steel, 60 x 25 x 12 inches; Camel Ring, 2025, flame cut steel and iron ring, 59 x 46 x 12 inches and Crow Control, 2025, laser cut corten steel, bronze, 46 x 28 x 28 inches
It is a beautiful, intricate, delicate show, through which visitors are not only surprised by the mere artistry of the works but will also be invited into a conversation on the importance of preservation, balance, and connection to our natural environment.
Sofia Diaz Aguilar
Images are courtesy of Olga Korper Gallery
*Exhibition information: John McEwen, Field Notes, June 5 – July 5, 2025, Olga Korper Gallery, 17 Morrow Ave, Toronto. Gallery hours: Tue – Sat 10am – 5pm.