This Community Weekend at MOCA, transform flat photographs into dimensional sculptural objects!
Led by interdisciplinary artist Ryan Van Der Hout, explore how physical intervention can reveal new possibilities within familiar images in his workshop, Beyond the Surface: Creating Sculptural Photographs. Drawing from approaches used by contemporary artists who work at the intersection of photography and sculpture, experiment with three hands-on techniques for creating sculptural photography.
Presented by MOCA in collaboration with Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography, this workshop is in response to Jeff Wall Photographs 1984–2023. Whether an emerging photographer or an artist curious about expanding your practice, this is the perfect opportunity to explore image making in an entirely new way!
Through guided exercises, you’ll explore tearing and layering to create fragmented compositions, construct miniature photography based dioramas to re-photograph, and build 3D objects from vinyl and cardstock—experimenting with the ways they catch light and shadow.
Photographs will be provided, though you are welcome to bring 5-10 personal photographs that you’re comfortable cutting and transforming. Materials, including cardstock, vinyl, adhesives, and basic tools will be supplied.
Registration is required for this programme.
About the Artist
Ryan Van Der Hout is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans photography, sculpture, and public art. Their work explores transformation through fragmentation and reconstruction, creating pieces that challenge how we see ourselves and our environment.
Recent projects include “To Reflect Everything” at Washington Square Park (2025) and Toronto Sculpture Garden (2023), which received coverage from NBC News and Time Out NY.
Van Der Hout holds an MFA from Parsons School of Design and has exhibited internationally, including at Flag Art Foundation, Gallery 44 and Filter Photo. They live and work between Toronto and New York City.
