Dawoud Bey | Street Portraits

Stephen Bulger Gallery presents *Street Portraits*, an essential solo exhibition showcasing the monumental portraiture of acclaimed American photographer and MacArthur Fellow Dawoud Bey. Spanning works created between the late 1980s and 1990s, the exhibition highlights Bey's transformative period working with large-format photography on the streets of Brooklyn, Rochester, and Washington, D.C.

The Art of Reciprocal Portraiture Known for his dignified, empathetic depictions of African American subjects and urban youth, Bey shifted during this period from dynamic 35mm street photography to an imposing 4x5 inch view camera. Using Polaroid Type 55 film, Bey created an immediate, reciprocal dialogue with his subjects: each sitter received an instant photograph on the spot, while Bey retained the high-resolution negative to produce stunning, large-scale darkroom enlargements. The resulting images capture texture, vulnerability, personal style, and an unmistakable sense of presence that bridges the distance between subject and viewer.

The Venue & Neighbourhood Situated in Toronto’s vibrant Dundas West gallery district, Stephen Bulger Gallery has long been one of Canada’s premiere spaces dedicated to the photographic medium. The airy gallery offers an intimate setting to appreciate the tonal nuance and sheer physical scale of Bey’s prints.

Before or after visiting, explore the surrounding stretch of Dundas West and Little Portugal, home to standout coffee shops, independent bookstores, and relaxed neighbourhood spots like The Communist’s Daughter or casual cocktail hubs just steps away.

Practical Details *Street Portraits* runs from September 12 through October 17, 2026, with an opening reception on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (remarks at 6:30 PM). Admission to Stephen Bulger Gallery is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM). The gallery is easily accessible via the 505 Dundas streetcar.