More than words

by Sholem Krishtalka

Postmodernism as artistic concept is always a hard sell; pages-long artist statements expounding linguistic theory usually result in gallery-goers rolling their eyes. Theoretical work

shouldn't be discouraging, however, because heavy theory can sometimes produce beautiful work. Such is the case with the show at Observatoire 4, Espaces Ambigus, by local artist Eric Ilhareguy and Belgian artist Alain Bornain.

Both artists investigate words, language, and the failure of both to express human experience. Both artists use words, letters and writing as a pictorial device, and this is what makes the show worth seeing. Despite all the heavy semiotic justifications, both artists manage to showcase the beauty of the written word. Ilhareguy's prints and collages of overlapping words are gracefully calligraphic, and Bornain's chalk writings on blackboards evoke delicate mists of white dust on green grounds; words can be expressive, after all. At 372 Ste-Catherine W., #426, until Nov. 3.

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