Canada Today: An Interview with the Curators

‘Canada Today: Contemporary Canadian Art’, celebrates the vitality and diversity of the contemporary Canadian art scene. This compact auction was curated and assembled by Jennifer Leskiw and Roy Bernardi.

We sat down with the Toronto collectors to discuss the concept behind the auction, some highlights, and their advice for new collectors.

What was the concept behind the curation of this auction?

JL: This auction contains a wide variety of artworks from paintings, representational and abstract, works on paper, and photography. The thinking behind this curated auction was to offer an interesting and unique blend of accessible artwork for individuals who would like to start collecting or for those who continuously add to their collection. The collection was carefully chosen from well-established collectors who are either in the process of downsizing their collections or simply wanting to trade an artwork for a different piece.

You are both long-time art collectors, and Jenn, you were also an art dealer. How did you first get interested in collecting Canadian art?

RB: My initial interest in art was sparked by the art books I found at the local library. In particular, I read a book about Harold Town, a Canadian-born artist. Subsequently, I came across an announcement regarding an exhibition of his works at an art gallery in Hamilton, Ontario. I attended the exhibition and, at the young age of 20, purchased my first artwork.

JL: I was studying interior design and I just happened to audit an art history class at the University of Toronto. I loved the class so much, I continued to attend more lectures. I didn’t finish my interior design diploma but went on to receive an Honours Degree in Art History. I was planning to take my Master’s degree at McGill University, but took a job as Director of Gallery 7 in Yorkville. From there I went on to have my own gallery. It’s hard not to become a collector when you’re working with artists, curating exhibitions, etc. It’s an occupational hazard. You just can’t help but collect pieces you love.

Could you share some insight on a few of the works?

JL: John Scott (1950-2022), SCHODINGER’S CAT DANCE [SIC], 2014, mixed media on paper mounted to canvas (Lot 7)

Scott’s Schrodinger’s Cat Dance is a rare and unique find. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a clown-like image in any of Scott’s work. The figure in this piece resembles a clown wearing a hat typically seen in work featuring the Dark Commander. The Dark Commander images tend to be dark and foreboding, authoritarian and mysterious.

Here we have a figure in a suit dotted with colourful circles and dancing. The piece appears to be joyful and lighthearted, however the face is not. The skull-like face is haunting. Perhaps there’s a metaphor at play displaying the Dark Commander in another light, a split personality, a paradox. I assume the title refers to the quantum physics theory of Schrodinger’s cat in an experiment in which the cat is both alive and dead. Could the Dark Commander have two sides to his personality, both lighthearted but menacing at the same time?

RB: Tristram Lansdowne (b. 1983), RETREAT, 2010, watercolour on paper (Lot 21)

Lansdowne’s painting technique is so precise that the artwork nearly resembles a photograph, allowing viewers to observe the intricate details of the building, to the extent that one could almost count the individual bricks.

JL: Marcus Leatherdale (1952-2022) BOAT WALLOH PEARLS, BANARAS, 1999, split toned gelatin silver printphotograph (Lot 17)

Leatherdale’s photography is exceptional in my opinion. Although a contemporary of Robert Mapplethorpe, following in his style in the early years, Leatherdale went on to create photography that was quite unique in subject matter, exploring tribal people, circus people, and royalty from rarely seen cultures within India.

The Boatman’s Pearls is gorgeous. The rich, chocolaty brown hue is contrasted by gleaming pearls resting on the beautiful torso of the man. There’s an intimacy created by the dark hue as one must focus to notice the chest hairs on this well-sculpted body.

RB: Sybil Goldstein (1954-2012), JACOB’S SIGHT, 1996, oil on panel (Lot 4)

This is a beautiful portrait landscape combined into one. It depicts a scene in a park by the lake, which can only be envisioned because of the canoe positioned at the water’s edge. A young child is seen running through the grass, completely oblivious to the world surrounding him or her. It is indeed a delightful setting. Goldstein was part of the ChromaZone Collective.

JL: Melanie Rocan (b. 1980), COUP DE VERT, 2009, oil on canvas (Lot 25)

Rocan is another artist who has come into her own style of painting. Her canvases tend to be large-format works with explosions of colour and texture, usually featuring a female figure. Melanie’s work has been featured in articles for Border Crossings and Canadian Art. She is quite accomplished and has had numerous solo exhibitions.

What advice would you give to novice collectors?

RB: Individuals possess varying preferences regarding art; therefore, I would recommend purchasing pieces that resonate with you, as you will be coexisting with the artwork. Additionally, it is important to consider the artist’s standing within the art community. Is the artist featured in any Canadian art publications? Does the artist have his or her works displayed in a museum?

About Jennifer Leskiw and Roy Bernardi

Jennifer Leskiw is a Toronto-based independent curator and art consultant. She was formerly the co-owner and director of Lehmann Leskiw Fine Art, which exhibited emerging, mid-career, and senior Canadian and international contemporary artists.

Roy Bernardi is a long-time art collector, patron, and enthusiast. He has published numerous books on artists and works in his personal collection, including Marcel Dzama, Balint Zsako, and Kinki Texas. Jenn and Roy are also the co-founders of Big Little Squirrel Productions Inc. and are currently working on a documentary about Canadian artist John Scott. They are frequent contributors to the online arts magazine D’Art International.

About The Auction

Waddington’s is pleased to present Canada Today: Contemporary Canadian Art, curated by Jennifer Leskiw and Roy Bernardi highlighting contemporary Canadian art. Featuring works by John Scott, Margaux Williamson, Shary Boyle, Kristine Moran, Michael Awad, and Kris Knight, as well as trailblazers such as Ron Martin, William Ronald and Harold Town, the auction reflects the vitality and diversity of contemporary Canadian art.

Previews are available:
Monday, September 22 from 10 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, September 23 from 10 am to 5 pm
Or by appointment.

The auction begins to close September 25, 2025 at 2 pm ET.

Please contact us for more information.