Post-hibernation nation

With the passing of yesterday’s vernal equinox, another winter is reluctantly winding down. Curator Lance Blomgren had Montreal in mind when he conceived of Hibernation Dervish, an exhibit about the intensity of artistic activity that remains hidden in the winter months, then bursts into the open with the spring. “The cohesive glue is winter dreaming,” says Blomgren. “My view as the curator was to bring people together for that theme.”

Hibernation Dervish is the inaugural art exhibit at Rad’a, a new space operated by Ascent magazine that doubles as a yoga studio and meditation space. Former and current Montreal artists like Catherine Kidd, Charles Chalmers, Melissa Manfull, Todd Munro and Yvette Poorter will present installations, projections, sculptures, paintings and prints. Tonight’s opening show has a particular slant. According to Blomgren, “A big part of the vernissage is the sound element, to create a musical context around the pieces.” Performers include guitar and turntable duo Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor, Constellation side-project Joan, and Toronto’s Andrew Wedman. “These people are generally minimal,” says Blomgren. “Minimal electronica, dreamscape-soundscape stuff.” Performances start at 8 p.m. tonight, March 21 at 841 Gilford. The exhibit continues to March 28. Info: 522-4323. :

—Vincent Tinguely