Emo-art

I have never been a big fan of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. In fact, judging by their past year--which saw them relying more on heavy publicity campaigns than well-researched exhibits--I think the curatorial staff could benefit from some undergraduate courses in art history. However, I am the first to congratulate them when they do something right. That something is the latest exhibition of works by Genevieve Cadieux.

The main theme of Montreal-born Cadieux's latest show is communication and emotion. Neither affected nor trite, Cadieux's work is graceful, subtle and refined. There are a few standouts in this excellent (if small) show: her haunting sound installation, "Broken Memory," where a woman's anguished sobbing issues from a cold, impersonal glass box, and echoes throughout the gallery; her video installation, "Paramour," where Cadieux's sorrowfully deadpan sister has a conversation with a disembodied voice. Powerful stuff, indeed; her work speaks softly, but carries a great big stick. At 1380 Sherbrooke W., until July 2, free. :

--Sholem Krishtalka

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