Michael Davey
Michael Davey
Michael Davey is a Toronto-based sculptor and installation artist known for his use of photography, drawing and video, as well his integration of cast materials and found objects in his work. Davey graduated from York University in 1974, before undertaking his MFA at the Edinburg College of Art in Scotland in 1975.
Davey has completed projects that thematically engage with hockey for the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, and the Museum of Civilization, Ottawa.
Much of Davey’s practice includes working with bronze and aluminum castings, twisting and distorting them to engage with Davey’s interest in the relation between the modern and pre-modern worlds, in the attempt to connect the two. This connection has been fostered by Davey’s interest and experiences travelling to pre-historic sites in South America, Britain, and Europe. Davey’s use of bronze and other metals signal to his understanding of the materials as appealing for their malleability under heat, and solidity when cooled. Davey’s interest in landscape, industrial technology and the built environment can also be noted as prominent influences on his practice.
During his studies, his work was shown in several solo exhibitions in Edinburgh (1976, 1977, 1978); Toronto (1980, 1982); and Cararra, Italy (1983). Since 1976 Davey has participated in various group exhibitions in Toronto, New York, and Hartford Connecticut. Notable credits include Great Lakes and Pool at Toronto's Harbourfront (2001), Playmaking, London Regional Art Gallery and Game Show, MASSMoCA, North Adams, U.S.A. (2003).
His work can be found in numerous collections across the world including the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Windsor Art Gallery, the Scottish Museum of Modern Art, Edinburgh, and the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut. Davey currently teaches sculptor and drawing in the Visual Arts Department, York University. His most recent initiative is the establishment of the M9 Contemporary Art Centre on the Bruce Peninsula, Ontario.