Comics that stand up

B.D.: Bande à part explains why Montreal is considered a comic art capital

by KEITH MARCHAND

Standing out in this season and offering a welcome alternative to the overblown and culturally empty Astérix show is an exhibition at Maison de la culture Frontenac featuring 32 "alternative" comics artists. Titled B.D.: Bande à part (B.D. refers to bandes dessinées), this exhibition showcases many of the key artists who form our comics community--for which, incidentally, Montreal has established a world-wide reputation.

Be advised, however, that this is not just a cartoon show. Curators Luk Côté and Suzie Larivée prefer to link comics with so-called higher forms of contemporary art; in this case, painting and sculpture. With the help and expertise of Pierre Sirois (a.k.a. Siris), considered by many to be the godfather of the Montreal comics scene, select bedéistes were chosen to represent the community. Working with two formats: one, large-scale (12' x 12') works on canvas and the other, illustrated blocks that bring the pieces into the realm of the three-dimensional, each participant was given unlimited freedom with his or her work. The sheer variety of the offerings shows us that comics artists are as individual as any other type of artist. Some chose a more traditional pen-and-ink approach, others used a more painterly technique, and some exploited photo montage and collage to represent their vision. The one link that seems to unify most alternative comics is the portrayal of our urban life using accessibility and wit. One can almost see the entire gallery as a giant comic strip with each independent piece adding to the story.

Among the strongest of the works was an untitled canvas by Howard Chackowicz featuring an outrageous Trojan warrior holding a bloodied sword in one hand and a crying baby in the other. Behind him is a Leonardo-inspired landscape featuring a poison apple, heavy artillery, bodies impaled on stakes, corporate icons and Flipper's more sinister side. The work crackles with energy and easily moves beyond the realm of the comic strip.

"La Maison souterraine de la poule" by Siris shows the life of a rock 'n' roll chicken who lives in a hip bachelor pad and enjoys unwinding after a hard day's work. This little slice of life parodies popular culture, leisure activities and the universal theme of working for a living. Displaying technical facility and a unique vision, Siris demonstrates that comics-influenced art can break out of the small frame-by-frame format and move to the gallery (if that is indeed desired). Many "legit" artists have borrowed from comics and graffiti but few comics artists have reversed the situation. Perhaps now is the time.

Contrary to popular opinion, comics are not unsophisticated illustrations paired with amateurish text. With careful planning and thought, the urbanity, wit and pacing of comics may be a necessary shot in the arm to the stodgy world of contemporary art.

B.D.: Bande à part is on at Maison de la culture Frontenac until Aug. 24. 2550 Ontario E., 872-7882