York University
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Brandon Vickerd (1977– ) is a Hamilton-based artist and Professor of Sculpture and Chair of the Department of Visual Arts and Art History at York University.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Vickerd received his BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in 1999, as well as his MFA from the University of Victoria in 2001. After graduation, he would go on to teach at both institutions prior to taking up his tenure at York University in 2004. During his time at York, Vickerd has developed an interest in fostering research for the Digital Sculpture Lab, dedicated to studying the overlap between digital and physical art.

Vickerd’s work often engages with site-specific interventions, public performances, and object-based sculptures, which act as catalysts for critical thought and engagement with the physical world. He is known for straddling the line between high and low culture through his use of material, craftsmanship, the development of the spectacle, or humour. Vickerd encourages viewers to use his work as a way to critique and respond to the myth of progress ingrained in Western world views. His work often evokes experiences that disturb, settle, and fascinate the viewer.

Vickerd has created numerous public art projects including “Dwell” (2018), commissioned by the City of Ottawa, “Wolfe and the Sparrows” (2018), commissioned by the City of Calgary, and “The Passenger” (2018) commissioned by the City of Waterloo.

His work has been exhibited internationally and throughout Canada, including credits such as Dance of the Cranes at Capital Fringe in 2015 (Washington, D.C.); Sputnik Returned 2 at the OpenART Biennale in 2017 (Orebro, Sweden); Falling Skies in Third Space in 2017 (Saint John, NB); and Wrong Place, Wrong Time, at Art Mur Gallery (Montreal, QC) in 2019.