S.A.D.

‘S.A.D.’ is a series of eight evocative images by Chinese-Canadian artist and photographer Steven Beckly presented on five digital screens at Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square).

The title refers to seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. In Canada, it is commonly known as the “winter blues,” due to the reduction of activity and sunlight that occur during the winter months. The primary treatment is light therapy, which involves exposure to a light source that mimics the brightness of natural sunlight.

Light is a constant quality in Beckly’s photographic practice. Captured through his intimate lens, light appears as a felt presence: permeating surfaces, illuminating screens, reflecting like a mirror, or lingering like an apparition.

In one image, a frozen chain-link fence glistens during golden hour; its diamond-shape pattern echoing in a different image, in which a polished surface reflects and abstracts its urban built environment. In other images, greenhouse windows are entangled with floral and botanical life wrapping around the architectural frames in an organic fashion. Sanctuaries for the senses, greenhouses are spaces that Beckly regularly visits particularly during the winter months.

Emerging from momentary encounters, the captivating images that comprise ‘S.A.D.’ conjure multiple metaphors of light: a curtain pulled back, a doorway out of darkness, a healing touch, a friend you can feel, a poem you can move through.

Artist Biography

Steven Beckly (he/they) is a Chinese-Canadian artist and photographer residing in Tkaronto/Toronto. Recent solo projects include Handy Work at Daniel Faria Gallery, Toronto; Nourishing Nature at Modern Fuel, Kingston; and Phantom Eye, a public art project commissioned by Capture Photography Festival, Vancouver. Beckly’s work has been featured in exhibitions at Two Seven Two Gallery, Toronto; the Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto, Scarborough; Stride Gallery, Calgary; Remai Modern, Saskatoon; and the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal. He is represented by Daniel Faria Gallery, Toronto.

Timing

This exhibition runs for 75 seconds every 5 minutes on 5 screens at Sankofa Square. They are viewable outdoors 24/7. 

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‘S.A.D.’ is curated by DesignTO, with venue partner Sankofa Square. The DesignTO Festival is supported by the Government of Ontario and the City of Toronto.

About DesignTO

DesignTO is a charitable arts organization celebrating 16 years of designing a sustainable, just, and joyful future. From January 23-February 1, 2026, the DesignTO Festival features 100+ free events and exhibitions across Toronto, showcasing hundreds of artists and designers. As Canada’s largest annual design festival, DesignTO has welcomed over 1 million attendees, reached 2.6 billion people through media, supported 7,000+ artists and designers, and generated $159 million in tourism impact since 2011.