Redux of a 1995 conceptual art project by Steve Rockwell that melds performance, narrative, and critical inquiry into the experience of contemporary art spaces. This ambitious undertaking involved Rockwell visiting 175 art galleries across Switzerland, France, the United States, and Canada. Through these visits, he explored the physical and psychological dimensions of gallery environments, examining how art is presented and perceived within these spaces.
The project culminated in a book titled Meditations on Space: An Artist’s Odyssey through Art Galleries in Europe and North America, published in 1996. This work served as both a documentation of his journey and a critical reflection on the role of galleries in shaping the art experience.
Meditations on Space also laid the groundwork for Rockwell’s subsequent ventures. Notably, it inspired the launch of dArt International Magazine in 1998, a publication that continues to explore contemporary art practices.
Additionally, the themes and insights from Meditations on Space have influenced Rockwell’s later artworks, such as the digital piece Meditations on Space/Storage (1996/1998), which reflects his ongoing engagement with the concepts of space and art presentation.
Through Meditations on Space, Rockwell not only documented a personal artistic journey but also contributed to a broader discourse on the interplay between art, space, and viewer perception.
The Artist:
Steve Rockwell is a Canadian artist, writer, and publisher, best known as the founder and editor of dArt International Magazine, a publication dedicated to contemporary art. Rockwell has been active in the art world for decades, both as a creator and as a commentator.
In 1998, Rockwell launched dArt International in Los Angeles. The magazine originated from his 1995 conceptual performance piece titled “Meditations on Space,” which involved visiting 175 art galleries across Europe and North America. Initially, the magazine focused on the contemporary art scenes in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Beyond publishing, Rockwell is known for his conceptual art projects that often blur the lines between art and everyday life. Notable works include the “Color Match Game,” a participatory performance piece; the “Steve Rockwell Sandwich,” served at restaurants in Toronto and San Antonio; and the “dArt Burger,” a collaboration with a Toronto burger shop owner Saeed Mohamed.
His visual art has been exhibited in various venues, including the Fran Hill Gallery in Toronto. In 2024, he presented “DArt Magazine Curated Content” at Station Independent Projects in Toronto, showcasing collages and paintings derived from the pages of dArt magazine. These works reflect his deep engagement with the art world and his innovative approach to art-making.
Rockwell currently resides in Toronto, where he continues to contribute to the contemporary art discourse through his multifaceted practice.