Anarchic artists

POLITICAL VISUALS: Art + Anarchy

Montreal’s Anarchist Bookfair is the centrepiece of a whole month of politically engaged cultural activities, including Art + Anarchy, opening today at the Esplanade Loft Project gallery. “Originally it was just going to be an art show, but it blossomed into a happening,” explains Art + Anarchy collective member Norman Nawrocki. “So, two weeks of art events, books, films and round-table discussions with artists—it’s the largest political art show put together in Canada.”

Events include a book launch by poet and visual artist Benoit Tremblay, a multimedia presentation on art and Situationism by poet, artist and member of les Enragées de Nanterre, Angéline Neveu and a talk by Nawrocki on l’Esthétique anarchiste. All events are at 6750 Esplanade, check http://www.myspace.com/artanarchymontreal for the full schedule.

Nawrocki also appears with an army of poets and spoken word artists at Divan Orange (4234 St-Laurent) for a Night of Anarchist Poetry on May 6, 8:00 p.m., free.

by VINCENT TINGUELY

Organic movements

For almost 20 years, Hideo Arai has been practising noguchi taisou, a type of gymnastics invented in post-WWII Japan that is based on relaxation and natural movement. The choreographer-dancer from Tokyo was taken with this technique because he says it gives him “connection to the inside of [his] body.” Arai incorporates this organic movement style into his work, which evokes a serene fluidity.

For his most recent choreography, Arai has been working on a second collaboration with GaPa, a local finger-drumming percussionist team made up of Ganesh Anandan and Patrick Graham. The artistic trio have come up with aXes, an inter-disciplinary work that strives to create links through music, dance and images. “Sometimes we forget we are part of nature,” explains Arai. “We want to show the connection between high-tech and the natural world.”

Arai shares his techniques in a workshop this Saturday, May 5, 12–2 p.m. at Tangente (840 Cherrier). Catch the show and photography exhibit by Shinya Ochida, that captures light and movement, May 3–5 at 8:30 p.m. and May 6 at 4 p.m. It’s all part of the Festival Accès Asie. Info: (514) 603-1934 or www.accesasie.com.

by MARITES CARINO

Is it art?

PET POTTY: Although it probably won’t find its way into too many interior-decorator magazines, the Fish ’n’ Flush—a two-piece toilet tank with one half for flushing and the other half a home for your marine pets—will definitely make potty training more fun. Developed by a marine biologist, working with AquaOne Technologies, the clear tank has enough pressure for flushing, while at the same time allowing pets to get to know their owners more intimately. It comes fully equipped with fake plants, gravel and an overflow tube (just in case).

The Fish ’n’ Flush can house salt and fresh water creatures alike, or can be left dry for alternate use as a terrarium. For other inspirations, check out the reindeer snow bowl online at www.fishnflush.com. The Fish ’n’ Flush may not make the most appropriate dinner/date conversation but it will spice up a trip to the bathroom. And should you find your goldfish floating belly-up on one of those trips, you can save water and handle two tasks with one flush.

Arts hole

Going Once... 25 plain, white, canvas bags have been transformed into one-of-a-kind carry-alls by local fashion- visionaries for mission Bag Project, the fundraising event for the fourth issue of Worn fashion journal. Bid on your favourite bag and dance the night away in style at My Hero Gallery (3655 St-Laurent) on Saturday, May 5th, 9 p.m. • FREE FUNNIES: Wander into your local comic book store and leave with a bagful of free treats, courtesy of Free Comic Book Day (Saturday, May 5)!

Artistat

Number of multi-talented artists displaying visual curiosities such as plush toys, silkscreens, papier maché dolls and much more at Illumination, the latest show at gallery USINE 106U (111 Roy E.), from May 3–31: 22