Steve Topping

Steve Topping’s sculpture practice is based on experimental architecture. In general, his objects, devices, and environments are developed with a concern for practicality and efficiency (energy, mechanical, spatial) to respond to the specificities of their sites. He has a strong interest in modernism, and his practice is guided primarily by the artistic vision of this period and its principles of simple and functional aesthetic and material elements. Topping’s early career involved painting and drawing; he then moved into Super 8 and 16 mm film, and he now focuses on sculpture and sculptural and architectural interventions in small spaces. His multidisciplinary practice takes into account alternative urban and rural living spaces. His work has been shown in Canada and in Europe at venues, events, and festivals such as the Festival Acadien de Caraquet (2009), Pop Montreal (2009), and the Cinémathèque québécoise (2007), and in the context of residencies at Caravansérail in Rimouski (Espace Blanc 4: Marquer le pays, 2008) and Boreal Art/Nature in Labelle (2006). He participated in La demeure, an event organized by Optica (Montreal, 2003), and the Antimatter Film Festival (Victoria, 2002). His work has also been shown at Skol (Montreal, 2003), the Armando Museum (Amersfoort, the Netherlands, 2002), Gallery 44 (Toronto, 2001) and Eastern Edge (St. John’s, Newfoundland, 2000). He lives and works in Montreal and St. John’s.