Philosopher’s robes

It’s worth the trip to Pointe-aux-Trembles to see Sculptures Récentes by Carole Baillargeon. This Quebec City textile artist has worked with clothing for over 15 years, and in this exhibit she presents five dresses from the series La robe écrite and La robe cassé that are inspired by the written word.

Built using a surprising array of materials and techniques, each dress focuses on primal elements of human nature—the soul, memory, seduction, abnegation. The seven-foot tall “Robe souvenirs,” made after the death of her father, incorporates old clothing in row upon row of braided and knotted fabric. “Unlike in the Eastern philosophies, Western society often ignores the place of death in the lifecycle,” Baillargeon says. “Using textiles, I try to address the hidden issues of impermanence, vulnerability and the fear of death.”

In other works she incorporates the more traditional sculptural elements of wood, metal, wire and resin, alongside glass balls, fishing lures and synthetic hair. The literary sources, use of materials, scale and colour used in each dress successfully elicit an emotional reaction. At the Maison de la culture Pointe-aux-Trembles (14001 Notre Dame E.) until June 2. Info: 872-2240. :

—Christine Redfern