Lawrence Bernstein - Fine Art Photographer

Artist Statement

“Architecture is the triumph of human imagination… It is at least the geometric pattern of things, of life, of the human and social world. It is at best that magic framework of reality that we sometimes touch upon when we use the word order.

- Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most revered architect

Lawrence Bernstein moved to Toronto, Canada, in 2018 and has since been focussed on discovering the city’s history, architecture, urban places and its inhabitants. His artistry, born out of a life in the Earth Sciences, expresses a deep curiosity about the structure and behaviour of the natural and human world. In this show Lawrence uses abstraction expressed by monochromatic imagery to examine the patterns, structure, and substance of Toronto’s architecture, exposing historical, current, and future narratives.

Architectural abstract no. 333 Massey Tower, 197 Younge St, Toronto

Measures 20 x 30". Printed on acid free, archival, Hamnemuhle FineArt Baryta paper

Architectural abstract no. 33 Toronto City Hall, East Tower

Measures 30 x 45". Printed on acid free, archival, Hamnemuhle FineArt Baryta paper

Architectural abstract no. 21 Axis Condos, 85 Wood St, Toronto Measures 20 x 30". Printed on acid free, archival, Hamnemuhle FineArt Baryta paper	Architectural abstract no. 66 Stanley Condominium, 403 Church St, Toronto Measures 20 x 30". Printed on acid free, archival, Hamnemuhle FineArt Baryta paper

Architectural abstract no. 7 John P. Robarts Research Library, University of Toronto, 132 St. George St, Toronto

Measures 20 x 30". Printed on acid free, archival, Hamnemuhle FineArt Baryta paper

Artist Bio

Lawrence was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He has a MSc and PhD in the Earth Sciences and spent a career in energy exploration, living with his family in western Canada, North Africa, and southeast Asia. His photographs have garnered numerous prizes at the Toronto Camera Club, a CAPA honour’s award for landscape photography, and an Epson International Pano bronze award. He recently shared honours as winner of the 2020 OFFBEAT Annual Challenge – Black and White Photography. OFFBEAT is Canada’s largest web-based photography community. Lawrence’s work has sold internationally.

"I have always been fascinated by architecture. As a child I drew “futuristic” buildings and the imaginary cityscapes that they inhabited. Now I find myself intensely focused on the architecture that surrounds me; the brick, stone, wood, cement, glass, and steel of an urban world which I comprehend as constructs of human intelligence, creativity, ingenuity, and beauty."

Lawrence's Limited Edition large scale Art Prints (signed and numbered by the artist) will be available for sale starting on the opening night and for the duration of the exhibit, as well as a collection of limited edition 8.5 x 11” black and white photograph prints.