EMERGING FIGURES: “Red Fox” by Kris Knight

Characteristics, the new show at Push Gallery (5264 St-Laurent), was born of a desire to both investigate and push against the parameters of what is commonly known as figurative painting; that which is representational in nature, as opposed to abstraction, which carries few expectations in terms of identifiable subject matter.

Comprising the work of four emerging artists—Nancy Bourassa, Pascal Caputo and Jon Claytor of Montreal, and Toronto’s Kris Knight—the show combines painting and mixed media works in its study of contemporary figurative practice.

Bourassa’s “Tout le monde est Pinocchio” seems the most explicit manifestation of this exploration, as her figure sits perched in the foreground, presiding over a landscape that is fragmenting into abstraction even as he watches.

Claytor’s portraits reveal themselves in juxtaposition, as young men labelled “asshole” and “cowboy” stare out at us, their uncertainty and hesitation in striking contrast to the inherent machismo that their titles convey. Until Jan. 11.

by STACEY DEWOLFE

Art on the cheap

THRIFTY GIFTY: Aya Kakeda’s “Growing 5,” $50

The Christmas crunch is getting closer and the usual round of holiday craft fairs are piling up faster than the snow outside. But if you’re looking for something to satisfy those on your list who consider themselves more high-minded “arty” types, look no further than Headquarters Galerie + Boutique (1649 Amherst).

For the third consecutive year, the gallery/boutique is hosting It’s Probably Worth More Than That: Part III, a group exhibition featuring art by local and international artists including Aya Kakeda, Garrett Van Winkle, Jordan Awan, Natalie Wright, the Parnell Collective and the Mirror’s Rupert Bottenberg (how does he do it?).

The event is designed to cater to people who’ve always been apprehensive about sinking hundreds of dollars into a single piece of art. With prices starting at $10 and toping out at $100, committing (especially if it’s a gift) isn’t so scary.

The show takes place for one night only, tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 12 starting at 7 p.m. with music by DJ Garry “Hero” Vickers.

by SACHA JACKSON

 

Cool space turns one

Dave Cool helms the Centre St-Ambroise (5080-A St-Ambroise), an intimate performance venue smack in the middle of the current ferment of Montreal’s southwest.

“We have low income housing, shoddy apartments, condos, old folks’ homes, cafés popping up, all these components right in our immediate neighbourhood,” says Cool. “It’s a community in transition.” The Centre has hosted 150 live shows over the past year, along with special workshops, book launches, film screenings and last summer, a folk festival right by the Lachine Canal, on the St-Ambroise terrasse.

The Centre is celebrating its first year in operation this Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. with a special concert featuring francophone singer-songwriters Anique Granger and Mathieu Laberge, pianist Nir Blu and Scott Normandy.

“Scott’s not going to play a venue this size much longer—he’s an artist on the rise,” says Cool. Dave Martel, who played the Centre’s inaugural concert, will be making a special guest appearance. $10.

by VINCENT TINGUELY

Laid back at Souk@SAT

There are many things to dread about the Christmas shopping season, especially if procrastination sees you heading to the malls on those final frantic days. From the fluorescent lighting to the holiday muzak and endless crowds, the experience can leave you longing for a less stressful alternative.

Well, look no further. The good folks at the Society for Arts and Technology (1195 St-Laurent) present the sixth annual Souk@SAT, this weekend, Dec. 12–14. Derived from the Arabic word for marketplace, the souk is a festive space showcasing the coolest creations of over 60 local artists and craftspersons.

True to the spirit of the souk, there is something for every taste and budget in this one-stop arts and crafts extravaganza: from snazzy designer clothes to environmentally friendly beauty products and a host of imaginative toys, funky décor and one-of-a-kind bags, jewellery and accessories.

The opportunity to give back while giving, knowing that your purchases help to sustain the local arts community combined with the casual vibe and seasonally appropriate beverages makes browsing the souk an extremely pleasant activity.

by STACEY DEWOLFE

Is it art?

HEADLESS HOLIDAY TREATS: ’Tis the time of year for baking, for gingerbread houses and gingerbread men. And usually, when you see those gingerbread men, the first question is, which limb to bite off first?

One company in particular, Fred & Friends, went to the trouble of making that decision easier with their ABC Cookie Cutters, otherwise known as Already Been Chewed cookie cutters. These delightful man-shaped cutters come in a pack of three, one with a missing leg, one with a missing arm and one with a missing head. All three have teeth marks.

The pre-existing wound practically invites you to indulge in a bit of gore for the holidays and put that red icing to good use.

www.worldwidefred.com

Arts hole

DON’T STOP THE (XMAS) MUSIC: DHC/ART and the Darling foundry present The Sounds of Christmas by Christian Marclay, in which local DJs are invited to create their own selection of festive tunes from the 1,200 albums Marclay’s collected. The vernissage takes place Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. at Darling Foundry (745 Ottawa) with mixes by Christof Migone, Mitchell Akiyama and Marclay himself. See fonderiedarling.org for the full schedule. • GET DOWN TO RAISE FUNDS: Arts and culture mag SNAP! hosts a fundraising Christmas party tonight, Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 :30 p.m. at the SNAP! salon (4064 St-Laurent, #1) to help keep the mag ’snappening. Cheap booze, good food and tunes will all be there, as will a collection of works donated by artists along with vouchers for a number of local boutiques and restaurants. Tickets are $15 at the door.

Artistat

The number of films made by indie filmmakers about the theme of travel, including one about gun trafficking in Pakistan, that will be screening this Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 p.m. (3035 St-Antoine W.) as part of Video Party’s series The Traveler: 6