Tiny Dancers presents a focused body of paintings by Stephen Lack, shown as part of a dual exhibition with Sadko Hadžihasanović at Paul Petro Contemporary Art. On view from January 9 to February 7, 2026, the exhibition reflects Lack’s longstanding engagement with identity, authority, and the subtle unease embedded in contemporary life.
Born in Montreal and now based in New York State, Lack emerged as one of the seminal figures of the New York East Village art scene in the early 1980s. His work has long examined human disconnect, suburban and industrial environments, portraits of power, and the psychological tension found in seemingly ordinary moments. Often depicting figures alone or in small groupings, his paintings suggest narratives shaped by cultural forces that remain just outside the frame.
Works such as Ponsard Park See Saw (2025) highlight Lack’s interest in childhood imagery and social ritual, where play becomes a lens for examining vulnerability, control, and memory. His figures feel suspended between innocence and experience, navigating a world shaped by media, architecture, and social conditioning.
Exhibited internationally and held in major public and private collections, Lack’s practice spans painting, drawing, and filmmaking. His contributions to visual culture include collaborations with filmmakers such as David Cronenberg and Jon Jost, as well as appearances in major publications including The New Yorker, GQ, and The New York Times. Despite decades of recognition, his work continues to operate with an underground sensibility, probing the emotional undercurrents of modern life.
Event Details
Exhibition Dates: January 9 – February 7, 2026
Venue: Paul Petro Contemporary Art
Location: Toronto, ON
Medium: Painting
Artist: Stephen Lack
Also Exhibiting: Sadko Hadžihasanović
