Molly Steels is a Toronto based artist originally from Bradford, Ontario. Her practice often explores themes of queerness, challenging heteronormativity and re-imagining family archives. She uses photography and physical collage as a tool for self-expression and introspection. Steels holds a BFA in Image Arts and a minor in Sociology from Toronto Metropolitan University.
CV
molly.steels@torontomu.ca | mollysteelsphotography.com | @molly_steels_photography
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honors), Image Arts, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2023
Minor, Sociology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2023
College certificate (Honors), Independent Digital Photography, Seneca College, 2018
Solo Exhibitions:
Re-Visiting in my Mind, Gallery 310, Toronto Metropolitan University 2023
Holding On, Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts Vitrine, 2022
Group Exhibitions:
International Call - Exposure Photo Festival, Contemporary Calgary, 2024
Perennial Darkness, Aurora Cultural Centre, 2023
Artspace Creative Market, TMU Artspace 2023
Media Architecture Biennale 23 Exhibition, Yonge-Dundas Square Screens, 2023
Function Magazine Public Art Installation, The Creative School, 2023
Perennials - Maximum Exposure 28, Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts, Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, 2023
I Used Tape and Glue, TMU Artspace, 2023
Artspace Creative Market, TMU Artspace, 2022
Maximum Exposure Salon Show, Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts, 2023
Cover Song, Gallery 310, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2023
Twenty Somethings, Propeller Art Gallery, 2022
Imprints - Maximum Exposure 27, Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts, 2022
Graduation Photography Show, Seneca College, 2018
Published Works:
Perennial Darkness Catalogue, Perennial Darkness, 2022
Cover of Qwerty Literary Magazine, Issue 47, 2023
Not a Sin Not a Sinner - Student Spotlight, Function Magazine, Issue 24, 2023
The Book, Style Circle, Issue 08 - 2023
Zine 24.1, Function Magazine, 2023
Third Year Show Catalogue, Imprints, 2022
Under Wraps, RAD Magazine, Issue 14, 2021
Rust and Rot, Blank Spaces Magazine, Issue 4, 2020
Cover of Qwerty Literary Magazine, Issue 39, 2018
Artist Talks, Presentations and Panel Discussions:
Presentation & Panel Discussion. Conversations on the Family Archive, Exposure Photo Festival, Contemporary Calgary, 2024
Interview. Art Byte #4: Re-Imagining the Archive with Molly Steels, Aurora Cultural Centre, 2023
Awards:
Studio Spotlight Award, Artspace Creative Market, 2024
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival Student Exhibition Award Shortlist, 2023
The Image Centre Student Exhibition Award Shortlist, 2023
Nadia Marzouca Memorial Award, 2023
PIC Print Award, Artspace Creative Market, 2023
President and Provost Image Acquisition, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2022
Collections:
Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts Collection, 2023
Curatorial Projects:
Perennials - Maximum Exposure 28, Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts, Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, 2023
Maximum Exposure Salon Show, Toronto Metropolitan University Image Arts, 2023
Experience:
Gallery Attendant, The Image Centre, 2023 - Present
Photographer and Assistant, KS Studios, 2019 - Present
Youth in Focus Mentor, The Image Centre, 2023
Curatorial, Exhibition & Web Coordinator, Maximum Exposure 28, 2023
Public Programming Team, I Used Tape and Glue Collage Event, 2023
Public Programming Team, The First Five Years Industry Panel, 2023
Photography Editor, HUES Magazine (Formerly RAD Magazine), 2021- 2023
In-house Photographer, Style Circle, 2023
Photography Instructor, GTA Photography Classes, 2019-2020
Photographer and Assistant, Shutterbug Imagery, 2018-2023
Teacher’s Assistant - Digital Imaging and Art Fundamentals, Seneca College, 2017-2018
