Warming up to art

>> Freakish clones, bawdy Picassos and curious objects invade Montreal's galleries

by SIOBHÀN O'CONNOR

Those in the habit of bemoaning Montreal's supposedly dead art scene will be biting their tongues hard this summer as imported art stars, local luminaries and great talents invade our galleries, museums and green spaces.

First up is the much-talked-about naked people shot by famed Brooklyn photographer Spencer Tunick. Those of you who saw the footage of nude Montrealers repeated about 75 times on the news last week may already have tired of the concept, but the MAC exhibit, Metamorphosis and Cloning, has more than enough to keep your eyes busy for a couple hours at least. The interdisciplinary exhibit, made up of robotics, photos, painting and video, expresses the widespread anxiety about cloning in particular and biotechnology in general. Particularly impressive are Tunick's massive photographs where naked humans looks mysteriously like pig carcasses, as well as Janieta Eyre's unsettling images of alienesque clones. (Until Sept. 2)

If these contemporaries don't get you going, head to the MMFA, where Spanish painter Pablo Picasso's bawdier works will be on show. Picasso érotique is bound to be the toast of the town this summer as it focuses on Picasso's more carnal canvases. While it's true that most of Picasso's works incorporate ideas of love and desire (his misspent youth involved much time in wild brothels and "houses of ill repute"), this collection specifically addresses the role that the erotic played as a "wellspring of the artist's inspiration," according to the curators. (June 14-Sept. 16)

Sassy screen legend

Also on the heavy-hitter list is the North American exclusive exhibition at the CCA, John Soane 1753-1837. Once called "one of the most curious things in London" by Henry James, Sir John Soane's Museum is made up of his unusual belongings, sketches, trinkets and drawings, all evidence of this architect's fantastic and forward-thinking mind. Responsible for the conception of the Bank of England among others, Soane is most recognized now for his crypt, his own house and museum in London. For the first time ever, over 200 of Soane's things from the London museum will be on show off their home turf. (Until Sept. 3)

The small neighbourhood gallery with a conscience and a taste for variety, the Ecomusée du fier monde brings us two solid exhibits. Mid-June, Montrealers are treated to a retrospective of the eerily familiar and hyperrealistic works of Claude Bibeau, known mostly for his paintings of creepy toys and urban settings. (June 13-Sept. 9) In July, Si le SIDA m'était conté addresses the HIV/AIDS pandemic by showcasing over 60 related posters from the Gay Archives of Quebec. (July 27-Aug. 26)

It's been argued that no woman has ever been easier on the eyes than the stunning Marlene Dietrich, but ask the photographers who shot her how easy she was on them and you'll get another story. Dietrich was a feisty one who often went so far as to tell the photographer where to stand, while she positioned herself just so. It's just as well, because the resulting portraits project as much wit and sass as they do sensuality. And come July, our very own Cinémathèque québécoise will be hosting the Une légende en images exhibit, a collection of photos celebrating the actress's tireless career, along with several film screenings.(Aug. 15-Sept. 16)

One of Montreal's littler-known secrets is its wild garden parties made up of steel, glass, brass and concrete. While it doesn't yet have the clout of, say, Barcelona's sculpture gardens, our own Musée Plein air is made up of 50 fantastic pieces and is a perfect reason to avoid stuffy galleries and get outside. Hosted by the Lachine museum, 22 of the sculptures are in the bike-friendly Parc René-Lévesque, 12 are located along Lac Saint Louis, and another 16 are on the Lachine Museum's premises.