by Benoit Depelteau
Monastiraki is a place like no other in Montreal. Founded in 1998, it is described on its website as a hybrid curiosity shop/art space. Over the years, it has become a sure shot for finding vintage ephemera and affordable independent art.
In December 2011, Monastiraki presented “Collage Group Expo”, an assortment of collage work by a dozen, mostly local artists. Just like the art shown, the installation was eclectic, complementing the unusual space very well. The pieces were placed as constellations on two separate walls. While a couple of works were on canvas, most were on paper; some were framed; and some others were simply pinned to the walls.
The interest of such a show is to offer a panorama of the different practices in collage at the moment. Like a snapshot, it documents the vivacity of Montreal’s scene. Of course, without a theme, the art spreads in all directions for our viewing pleasure and allows us to discover some curiosities and gems.
Amongst them, Montreal artist Felix Morel’s album sleeves for imaginary records: Their trashy, surreal feel really made them stand out. Their vivid colors and shapes with large borders literally popped out of the black backgrounds. Having created numerous posters and sleeve art for Montreal indie bands, Morel has come up with a personal signature that is provocative and truly unique.
There was also a fascinating small piece by Toronto-based Jacob Robert Whibley. Combining beautiful vintage textures with a strong geometrical composition, this abstract work demonstrated Whibley’s accuracy in captivating details like punch holes, pencil-drawn lines or overlapping cardboard items. Beam 25 is, in a way, a sculptural piece, suggesting an architecture the futurists wouldn’t have hated.
Art by Julie Doucet, Jp King, Kirsten McCrea, Caroline Beets, Pierre Botardo, Carl Ruttan, Marc Tessier, Billy Mavreas, Emilie O’Brien, Jaynus O’Donnell, and a found collage on masonite board completed the picture. This lineup presented the best parts of Montreal’s vibrant collage scene, both as a curiosity for newcomers and as a strong display of liveliness for collage enthusiasts.
Monastiraki
Montreal, Quebec
Image: Beam 25 by Jacob Robert Whibley (courtesy of Monastiraki)