Great Encounters
“To be a painter means modifying one’s senses. Inverse them so as to see with our fingers and touch with our eyes.” – Thomas H. Cook
Being unaffected by a meeting with master painter Albini Leblanc is near impossible, touched as we unfailingly are by his authenticity towards his artistic pursuit. Encounter with a “monument” who never compromises to please the art market and who willingly opens-up to Magazin’Art about his 40 years unwavering passion.
Rue Saint-Jean Baptiste, Sherbrooke, 12 x 24 in
I first interviewed the man at a time when he was living in a majestic ancestral home ideally located facing the St. Lawrence River in St-Jean de l’Île d’Orléans. His eyes and his paintings then reflected the happiness generated by the scrolling landscapes bordering the river, as much as by the reflective ice patches on the narrow Avenue Royale roadway in winter. For this new tête-à-tête, I am meeting with artist Albini Leblanc in his loft-studio located in the heart of Québec City’s artistic sector. An urban location characterized by ancient and stark factories that have been recycled into artists’ workshops, in short the exact opposite to the island’s rural scenery so close to his heart. A lover of the heritage architecture of small Québecois homes waltzing along side-roads as much as of urban street scenes where sunny rays supersede rain and snow, the nomadic artist always follows his star from which he draws inspiration.
Ste Famille D’Orléans, 16 x 20 in
Text by Michel Bois
Images courtesy of Galerie Symbole Art.
Albini Leblanc is represented by:
Galerie Symbole Art, 2770 de Salaberry, Montréal, QC. H3M 1L3 514 336-2332
Galerie Douce-Passion, 42 A, Notre-Dame Street, Québec, QC. G1K 4G1 418 648 – 9292 – info@galeriedoucepassion.com
Galerie Iris, 30 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC. G3Z 1L9 418 435-5768
“To be a painter means modifying one’s senses…
Artist Profile
“The value of an artist is measured not only through the quality of his work, but equally through the degree of love and perseverance he puts into it.” – Cécile Fortier Keays.
A painter’s career that spans some forty years! With parents that attended Québec’s School of Fine-Arts at the same time as Jean-Paul Lemieux, Dallaire and Paul Lacroix. Jacques Hamel has basked in an artistic universe and has been drawing since the age of 5, always curious about his environment. His hand is firm and steadily develops. Decors and happy atmospheres parade in his head like so many Polaroid pictures instantly revealing themselves to the photographer.
Influenced by his parents’ way of life, but largely diverted by them from the perspective of an artistic career, he nevertheless enrolls, in his a late teens, at the Québec School of Fine-Arts which will later become the Laval University Art School. Somewhat disappointed and embittered at not being able to learn in the manner he sees fit the rudiments and basics of painting, he turns his attention towards the theories and knowledge of graphic design. Antoine Dumas and Claude A. Simard will be his distinguished professors.
Parc des Gouverneurs, 16 x 20 in
Text by Michel Bois
Jacques Hamel is represented by the prestigious Galerie Douce-Passion 42A, rue Notre-Dame, Québec.
The value of an artist is measured not only through the quality…
Delight in Discovery
Driven by an uncommonly intense force of life, Sylvie Drainville creates paintings on wood that attempt to provoke the heart while comforting it, by simultaneous means of made up referents deeply rooted in reality and imaginary parallel systems. Since they adopt empirical rather than classical perspectives, her paintings favor an overall composition consisting of varied superimposed strata reminiscent of the geology of soils.
Lingering eyes are thus able to incrementally penetrate a story that, though universal, becomes personal per one’s interpretation. There is also presence of more intimate areas where one can find shelter and feel safe despite the vastness of the whole. It is important however to approach the work slowly to observe it adequately, one image at a time, in order to slide into the trenches and allow the emotion to permeate the mind.
Text by Lisanne Le Tellier
Driven by an uncommonly intense force of life…
Forms, Volume and Space
“Throughout their career paths, artists are faced with various challenges and demands. These events allow them to set bases for new research, further develop a subject, experiment with new techniques and thus open themselves to new possibilities. Whatever the creative context may be, symposium, artistic residence or public art contest, artworks have a story and reasons to exist.” Nathalie Racicot, Commissionner, De l’idée au geste exhibition 2018.
In the world of art, a creator is often defined according to his artistic practice in the mind of spectators. However, some creators manifest such versatility of genres and maintain a creative rapport with such a variety of materials that the usual characterizing nomenclatures cannot apply. Sculptor, textile artist, multidisciplinary artist and hybrid practice specialist, Carole Baillargeon is simultaneously all of that and much more.
Carole Baillargeon Photo © Stéphane Bourgeois
Text by Marie-France Bégis
To know more about Carole Baillargeon’s body of work:
vimeo.com/215582959/dbefd23d56
www.lafabriqueculturelle.tv/capsules/6927
www.lafabriqueculturelle.tv/capsules/10002
Ongoing exhibitions:
De l’idée au geste at the Maison Hamel-Bruneau, Sainte-Foy-Sillery borough, Québec, from Septembre 18 to December 16, 2018
Ainsi…/ Thus… at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, CCFM, Winnipeg, from December 13, 2018 to February 7, 2019
“Throughout their career paths, artists are faced…
Popular Art
“To exist a work of art needs neither beauty nor ugliness. It needs to be alive.” – Elmer Diktonius
Genuine for some, disconcerting for others, it is impossible to remain unmoved towards this raw form of art that is becoming increasingly present in public and private collections. True, there is still a long road ahead for these artworks to be considered mainstream but, if it was up to me, it goes without saying that this is a form of artistic expression that should be accessible to all sensitivities.
Popular art, also known as “whittlers’ art” or “tinkerers’ art”, appear to have originated in Québec among our farming ancestors who, during their free time in winter, sculpted and painted pieces of wood into toys for their offspring or for the simple pleasure of creating objects that would elicit fond memories or represent significant events of rural life.
Joseph-Arthur Bouchard, 1920-2010, Baie St-Paul (Charlevoix), Cow, wood
Text by Michel Bois
Rendez-vous des sculpteurs en art populaire du Québec at the Musée de la civilisation in Québec City April 27 & 28, 2019.
Adrien Levasseur’s books can be obtained by phoning 514 386-7946 or emailing adrien@artpopulaire.com
Private collection: Adrien Levasseur – © Photo: Philippe Le Scelleur
“To exist a work of art needs neither beauty…
Gallery Portrait
Jacques Chevalier’s near 50 years career as a professional painter has recently been enhanced with his new idea of establishing an art gallery within the premises of a seniors housing project, a first in Québec. As previous owner of two art galleries, Galerie Chevalier and Le reflet de l’art gallery in Old-Montreal, this initiative rests on these past experiences as well as on his broad knowledge of the field of arts.
Still imbued with the desire to create and his head full of ideas, Jacques Chevalier is not ready to set his brushes aside and pushes forward with new undertakings. Like his old friend Tex Lecor, Chevalier is one of the founding members of the Institut des arts figuratifs (IAF), one of the most prominent organisations that recognizes excellence in artistic practice. The artists’ consortium enjoys international repute, notably in France, Switzerland, Holland and the Caribbeans.
Quelques tableaux de Jacques Chevalier à la galerie de la Rive
Galerie de la Rive, 7095 boul. Gouin Est, Montréal
Jacques Chevalier’s near 50 years career as…
This 2018-2019 Winter issue of the magazine marks the end of this formidable series of articles on Canada’s pioneers and builders of the country, past and present. In concert with Galerie Q and their selected artists, we were able to portray those political figures who helped built this country in retracing their paths scattered with pitfalls, deceptions, setbacks, but mostly filled with overwhelming successes. We must also acknowledge the high quality of creation of the artists who participated in the project with great sensitivity. They are: Juan Cristobal, Masoud Habibyan, Ginet LeBlond, Olga Myzychko and Susan Statham.
Jean Chrétien (1993-2003)
Jean Chrétien
Jean Chrétien was the 20th Prime Minister of Canada. He pursued a number of significant initiatives throughout the years and had a very positive impact on the country’s economy. This very reform was in fact what made him enter the race to become Prime Minister. The federal debt, high taxes and annual deficit were alarming the country. In 1998, after 30 years of deficit, Canada under his direction finally enjoys a surplus. To achieve this result he cut back on federal programs and transfer payments to provinces and territories. These measures had repercussions on social programs such as public health, which resulted in surpluses and thus reduced the national debt.
Abonnez-vous au contenu de notre site internet pour lire ce texte. Subscribe to our Website content to read more80% of the Nation Builders Collector edition has already been sold. Pre-order your copy via www.galerie-q.com or by calling 705-944-8888.
To see more of the artists’ paintings or visit the gallery: Galerie Q, Cavana, ON. www.galerie-q.com
This 2018-2019 Winter issue of the magazine marks…
Great Encounter
Meeting painter Normand Boisvert and visiting his studio is an experience that undeniably changes a person given how striking, magical and colourful is his body of work and how warm, passionate and human is the artist. The workshop, vibrant with poetry that defies any limitation of freedom and joie de vivre, welcomes you as spectator to the atmospheric enchantment created by the images.
Indeed, Normand Boisvert’s work gives access to a succulent universe that reverberates a bygone era of joie de vivre. The highly imaginative landscape artist mixes reality and poetry to structure dazzling compositions that catch the eye at first glance. For 50 years, the artist has endeavoured, dedicated himself even, to depict the beauty of Québec’s nature and its human imprint.
Normand Boisvert
Text by Michel Bois
The artist is represented by: Galerie Douce Passion, Québec – Galerie d’art Iris, Baie-Saint-Paul – Stephen Lowe Gallery, Calgary – Dimension Plus, Montréal – Westmount Gallery, Toronto – State of the art Gallery, Toronto – Ryan fine art Gallery, Ontario
Meeting painter Normand Boisvert and visiting…
Artist Profile
The finest of paintings is always achieved via the solid and balanced organization of shapes and colours. Each of Nathalie Lapointe’s works rests on her knowledge of classic structural composition. Portraits. Shadows and lights. Images occupying one third of the canvas.
Mastering the theory of colours. Oil medium transparencies bonding with the grain of the canvas. Skillful work with painting knife. I could go on and on, so broad is her experience. Fascinated with atmospheres and tall buildings, here she is embarking on a new adventure, painting medieval castles precariously clinging to cliffs. Thank you Nathalie Lapointe!
Summer Shades, oil on canvas, 36 x 18 in
Text by Michel Bois
Galerie Québec Art, 40, Notre-Dame street, Québec, Qc 418-692-8200
The finest of paintings is always achieved…
Art in a Feminine Perspective
It has actually become daring to do something that is aesthetically pleasing. – Loretta Fasan
Loretta Fasan says that she paints because: “I need to bring certain images to life. I have a strong feeling that I want to create an image of females that have qualities I admire, and as much as possible I am trying to make them iconic.”
Although Fasan will paint landscapes and accept commissions, she also works in series. In particular she has done a number of female heads that are striking for their decorative embellishments. They would be at home on the set of Game of Thrones. “I paint female figures. Sometimes they are mysterious, humorous or serene. Sometimes I use intense and sometimes I use subtle colours, textures, gold leaf and patterns and costumes and I try to create an iconic aspect and then soften it by the facial expression.”
She likes to create and emphasize qualities that are timeless, serenity, hope and attaining grace or being at peace. She likes to represent kindness and gentleness and has no truck with fierceness: “I avoid fierceness, it’s easy to do ugly. It has actually become daring to do something that is aesthetically pleasing.”
Iris, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 30 x 30 in
Text by Noel Meyer
Loretta Fasan says that she paints because…
Contemporary Realism
Everything really takes off for René Lalonde with his 1999 participation in the famous New York Art Expo, one of the largest worldwide showcase for visual arts in North America. Although there is a long waiting list of hopeful participants, an unpredictable turn of events provides him with a stand where he exhibits some twenty of his works.
At the time, Lalonde essentially paints imaginary landscapes where are anchored warm and comforting small houses which earn him a loyal audience in Canada. As he has been exploring this theme for some time, he is tempted to do something different for this major art event and decides to embark on this adventure with a completely new proposition: colourful geometric drawings the cubist roots of which are freely and whimsically reinterpreted. He had previously entertained this idea but the public had shown little interest upon his first try at the Denison gallery in Old Montreal. Here was his opportunity to explore this longstanding inner desire to create fragmented abstract structures. Once on site, a major art editor notices his work and promises to convince the President of the Chalk & Vermillion Fine Arts Company and the Sales Manager for Martin Lawrence Galleries to come and see his artworks.
Happiness in a vase
Text by Lisanne Le Tellier
In Montréal, some of his works can be seen only at Cazeault Gallery on Sherbrooke Street West. The artist can also be reached by email at renelalonde@videotron.ca to obtain further information pertaining to his exceptional body of work.
Everything really takes off for René Lalonde…
On Exhibit
Multidisciplinary artist, tireless researcher and professional observer, France Malo has, for 45 years, created an inspired and highly diversified body of work. In a variety of mediums, her research reveals her thirst for learning and experimenting.
Long settled in the Mont Saint-Hilaire region with her family, France Malo regarded her artistic calling as a vocation. In primary school she distinguishes herself by winning contests and welcoming minor artistic challenges that will soon hearten her. At eight years old, she tries her hand at sculpting with blue clay she finds behind the family home. Thanks to a contest initiated by Radio-Canada, she travels to Europe to attend an arts summer camp where her curiosity towards varied mediums is heightened. Among other things she discovers cinema, which she will later explore. At fifteen, she exhibits her works for the first time in a café, and launches her graphic design and illustration firm having garnered small contracts such as album covers and comic strips. “The comic strips introduced me to movement,” recalls the artist. “I was mostly aiming for technical perfection at that time.”
Réseaux
Text by Isabelle Gauthier
Represented by :
Galerie d’Art France Malo, Beloeil
Galerie Nicole Taillon, Magog
UNO, Québec
Multidisciplinary artist, tireless researcher…