STOLEN KISSES: “Aphrodite” by Adad Hannah

The Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art is about to unveil its largest exhibition ever, Rien ne se perd, rien ne se crée, tout se transforme (it translates as, Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed) is the title of the museum’s inaugural triennial.

Focusing exclusively on Quebec artists, and set to be held every three years, this year’s triennial will mark more than a few firsts.

Curated by Josée Bélisle, Mark Lanctôt, Pierre Landry and chief curator Paulette Gagnon, the museum spent the better part of last year searching exhibitions and artist studios to find the best in contemporary Quebec art.

The 38 artists they’ve chosen include art-stars like David Altmejd, Michel de Broin, Julie Doucet and Isabelle Hayeur alongside up-and-comers like Raphaëlle de Groot, Adad Hannah, Gwenaël Bélanger and Patrick Bernatchez.

The pieces themselves, 135 in all, are presented in a variety of media and in an unprecedented first, all of the museum’s galleries will be dedicated to showcasing this one exhibit.

Opens this Saturday, May 24 and runs until Sept. 7 at the MAC (185 Ste-Catherine W.)

by SACHA JACKSON

Dysfunctional reflections

FORBIDDEN GAMES: “Caged PlayStation”

The taxi driver has a distinct perspective on the world: distanced, mediated and transitory. Contained within the unique space-time of the taxi, he travels through the city with a host of companions. In constant motion, he experiences the world through the windows of his cab.

It’s this perspective which informs the images in Guillaume Simoneau’s Til Kingdom Comes… (or a Slight Difficulty to Breathe) at Galerie [sas] (416 Ste-Catherine W., #372).

Comprising seven large-scale photographs taken on different continents over four years, the show is described by Simoneau as a study of “a taxi driver’s concerns towards dysfunctionalities.” Though seemingly disparate, the images are united by convergent themes—the homogenizing effects of globalization, the hegemonic nature of corporate culture and the transience of modern-day icons.

This last idea becomes especially clear in the wax mannequin of Celine Dion, and the McDonald’s arches abandoned on a Morrocan street, but is also felt in the polar bear abducted from his natural environment, and the vacant billboard with only a hint of the advertisement that used to grace its surface.

Simoneau captures his subjects in the centre of the frame so they’re both a part of and isolated from their environments. Despite this stylistic artifice, the images feel spontaneous, like found objects. Evocative and emotional, they compel us to reflect not only on the ideas they convey, but on our own concerns for the world and its inhabitants.

Until June 14, for more info: (514) 878-3409.

by STACEY DEWOLFE

FYI FTA

by MARITES CARINO

Is it art?

TREAT YOURSELF: The new Web site, somethingstore.com, takes the concept and excitement of Secret Santa to a whole new level.

Started about a year ago, the site was born out of the philosophy that “if anything can be sold on the Internet, why not sell something?” These worker bees then set to work, filling their Long Island warehouse with this and that, all different types of somethings that they will send directly to you, or someone you love, for the total cost of $10 (USD).

(Latest gifts have included a pair of women’s jeans, MP3 speakers, a soccer ball and a remote control Mustang.)

It’s pretty much that simple. In fact, the something store sums up the process in three easy steps; 1) place your order; 2) they send you a randomly picked something; 3) you get a nice surprise.

Arts hole

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S FIGURE SKATING: Renegade figure skating troupe Patin Libre bring their raucous, theatrical, acrobatic and experimental ice-skating to the masses with their latest show Alternative, which they perform tomorrow, Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Pierrefonds Sportplexe (14700 Pierrefonds).
• SLOW MOVEMENT: The Sense Lab presents performance/installation piece Slow Clothes, this Sunday, May 25 from 2–5 p.m. at the SAT (1195 St-Laurent). An experiment in movement and an experience in tactility, the event is participatory, so be prepared to “compose with fabric,” dress yourself and, perhaps most importantly, eat, drink and enjoy yourself.

Artistat

The number of years the Montreal International Interior Design Show, which opens tonight, Thursday, May 22 and runs until the 24th at Place Bonaventure (800 de la Gauchetière W.) has been bringing the latest in home decor to the city: 20