April 17th 2013
Noémi McComber will be at OPTICA this Saturday, April 20th at 2pm! |
On the last day of the exhibition, Noémi McComber will be at OPTICA at 2pm to meet the public and to talk about her work. Come visit us! |
April 17th 2013
Interview with Noémi McComber on the No More Radio show (The Belgo Report Podcast) |
Noémi McComber was one of the guests of Bettina Forget for the show No More Radio aired on The Belgo Report podcast.
Interview with Noémi McComber, The Belgo Report #2 : A Female Perspective (No More Radio, April 14th 2013). |
March 28th 2013
On April 3rd, OPTICA will be part of the Montreal Gallery Tour |
On April 3rd, OPTICA will be part of the fourth edition of the Montreal Gallery Tour organized by artscène Montreal. Noémi McComber will be present in the gallery to meet all the guests. Rallye des galeries 2013: du centre PHI à l'Arsenal (Éric Clément, La Presse, 27 mars 2013).
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March 27th 2013
Catherine Bodmer's new publication is now on sale at OPTICA |
Catherine Bodmer MEXICO DF (DÉTAILS)
Catherine Bodmer's new publication MEXICO DF (DÉTAILS) is now available at OPTICA.
The following text is only available in french
La critique d’art Marie-Ève Charron offre un premier regard sur la plus récente production photographique de l’artiste Catherine Bodmer, découlant de deux résidences de création dans la ville de Mexico en 2010 et 2011.
De son expérience réelle du territoire, Bodmer a décidé d’en partager une forme décantée, produite par la patiente transformation des images devenues le creuset de retouches sédimentées, un matériau joué en symétrie, discontinu et reconfiguré.Ce travail de manipulation donne une impulsion toute particulière à des échappées imaginaires et fictionnelles dans la spatiotemporalité des images, qui ont pour effet de reconsidérer l’urbanisme et les espaces de vie à Mexico. (- extrait du texte)
Catherine Bodmer MEXICO DF (DÉTAILS)
Monograph
Author : Marie-Ève Charron
Artist : Catherine Bodmer
Tranlated into English and Spanish
92 pages, color
ISBN: 978-2-923612-36-2
Sagamie éditions d’art, 2012
Price: 30$
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March 27th 2013
Noémi McComber's Mise en échec is the focus of a newly published article on The Belgo Report |
Noémi McComber's "Mise en échec" is the focus of a short article by Maude Lefebvre, Mise en échec de Noémi McComber à OPTICA (The Belgo Report, March 2013). |
March 7th 2013
Brooklyn / Montreal @ Momenta Art is the focus of a newly published article in The Brooklyn Rail |
Sylvie Cotton, Sébastien Cliche, Chelsea Knight + Mark Tribe are the focus of an article by Gail Victoria Braddock Quagliata, Sébastien Cliche, Sylvie Cotton, Chelsea Knight and Mark Tribe, Brooklyn / Montreal Exchange (The Brooklyn Rail, March 2013). |
February 20th 2013
Marjolaine Bourdua's sound sculpture is the focus of an article on Vie des arts webzine |
Marjolaine Bourdua's sound sculpture, presented at OPTICA from January 19 to February 23, is the focus of a short article by Karine Bouchard, L'inquiétante étrangeté d'une présence sonore (Webzine, Vie des arts, Wednesday, February 20 2013). |
February 19th 2013
Manuela Lalic's interview on the In situ radio show (CIBL) |
Manuela Lalic's interview with Chantal l'Heureux about "Activisme timide" exhibition, presented at OPTICA until February 23, broadcasted during the In situ radio show, aired on CIBL last sunday, February 17th.
Listen to Manuela Lalic's interview (In situ, February 17th 2013) |
February 9th 2013
Manuela Lalic's "Activisme timide" is the focus of a newly published article in Le Devoir |
Manuela Lalic's "Activisme timide" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from January 19th to February 23th, is the focus of a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado, Fragiles monuments de petits riens (Le Devoir, Saturday, February 9 2013). |
December 17th 2012
OPTICA laureate at the Visual Art Awards |
The second Visual Art Awards took place last Wednesday, December 12th took place the second. OPTICA received the "Best exhibition" award in the Artist-run Centre category for "Archi-féministes! : Archiver le corps". Congratulations to the curators Marie-Ève Charron, Marie-Josée Lafortune and Thérèse Saint-Gelais as well as the artists: Olivia Boudreau, Sorel Cohen, Raphaëlle de Groot, Suzy Lake, Claire Savoie and Jana Sterbak.
OPTICA also congratulates Marie-Ève Charron, a member of the Board, winner of "Best review article - Author of the year" for her article «Le monde foisonnant de Patrice Duhamel» published in Le Devoir, March 24th 2012.
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December 11th 2012
Julie Alary Lavallée - Internship report |
OPTICA had the great pleasure of welcoming Julie Alary Lavallée—a doctorand in art history at Université de Montréal—from September to December 2012. Following her graduate studies in heritage conservation at UQAM, she volunteered her services to help process the centre’s documentary and visual archives (2002-2008) in view of depositing them in the Fonds at Concordia University Archives in 2013. One only has to make an appointment to consult the archives, which are constantly evolving thanks to the invaluable contributions of volunteers such as Julie: “Looking over nearly five years of cultural events organization is a huge inspiration and a rich learning experience for anyone aspiring to develop the skills needed for a career in the curatorship field.” Our warmest thanks!
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December 7th 2012
Montreal / Brooklyn : OPTICA @ Momenta Art |
After its Montreal segment presented in the fall, “Montreal / Brooklyn” is going to New York this winter for the second stage in this major event, which involves sixteen organizations and almost forty artists. Momenta Art —partnered with OPTICA, which hosted the project October 20 to December 1, 2012—is taking over! Another opportunity to discover the work of Sébastien Cliche, Sylvie Cotton, Chelsea Knight, and Mark Tribe. January 13 to February 17 2013.
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December 5th 2012
Mathieu Latulippe Valence's Residency :: Presentation of his work in progress |
Public presentation of the work being done by Mathieu Latulippe during his residency in Valence, Wednesday December 12th at 6:30 pm at art3.
art3, 8 Sabaterie street, 26000 Valence, FRANCE - www.art3.org |
November 30th 2012
Anne-Lise Seusse :: "De la Guerre, Mont Royal, fragments" will be screening at Palais de Tokyo |
Anne-Lise Seusse's video "De la Guerre, Mont Royal, fragments", resulting from her research during her residency in Montreal at OPTICA will be shown on December 8th at the Rencontres Internationales Paris / Berlin / Madrid. |
September 29th 2012
Catherine Bodmer's "Casas" is the focus of a newly published article in Le Devoir and mentioned in Canadian Art's "Agenda" |
Catherine Bodmer's "Casas"exhibition, presented at OPTICA from September 8th to October 13th, is the focus of a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado, Mexico, du septième ciel (Le Devoir, Saturday, September 29th 2012, p.E9).
The exhibition is also mentioned in the fall issue of Canadian Art, "Agenda" section. Canadian Art, fall 2012, p. 33. |
September 21st 2012
"Montreal / Brooklyn" is the focus of a newly published article in Le Devoir |
"Montreal / Brooklyn" will be presented at OPTICA from October 20th to December 1st, is the subject of a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado, Montréal / Brooklyn : un échange entre deux villes férues d'art contemporain (Le Devoir, Friday, September 21 2012, B2). |
September 20th 2012
Cynthia Girard's "Pierre Vallières + Josée Yvon" is the focus of a newly published article in ART PAPERS |
Cynthia Girard's "Pierre Vallières + Josée Yvon" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from May 12th to June 16th, is the subject of a newly published article by Kevin Rodgers, Cynthia Girard (ART PAPERS, September / October 2012).
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September 10th 2012
Cynthia Girard's "Pierre Vallières + Josée Yvon" is part of the portefolio "Ideals of Painting" published in esse arts + opinions |
Cynthia Girard's "Pierre Vallières + Josée Yvon" is part of the portefolio "Ideals of Painting" by Anne-Marie Ninacs, esse arts + opinions, no.76, fall 2012, p.71. |
August 25th 2012
Montreal / Brooklyn :: a not to be missed event this fall |
"Montreal / Brooklyn" is briefly mentioned and recommended in an article by Marie-Ève Charron Galeries et centres d'artistes - Portés par l'engagement et les échanges (Le Devoir, August 25th 2012). |
June 21st 2012
Julia Eilers Smith - Internship Report |
From September 2011 to April 2012, OPTICA had the pleasure of welcoming UQAM art history student Julia Eilers Smith. Among other responsibilities during her internship, she assisted the team in organizing the fund-raising campaign, “In Conversation with Michel de Broin”, and helped produce the online section of the exhibition “Archi-féministes!”. “My experience proved enriching and fulfilling, both professionally and personally. It afforded me complete immersion in one of the first artist-run centres in Quebec; I was able to contribute to general operations and management of the gallery, to its administration and communications, and all of this with a highly engaging team.” Your diligence and enthusiasm have made a lasting impression! Thank you Julia. |
June 19th 2012
In Conversation with Michel de Broin - Campaign Report |
On April 18 2012, during OPTICA’s exhibition and art sale at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Michel de Broin spoke about his artistic development with members of the business and art communities. In that enjoyable evening, the centre raised $6,000 through the Placements Culture sponsorship program. We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed to this campaign, marking OPTICA’s 40th anniversary! These funds represent an invaluable support for the centre’s activities and the William A. Ewing grant.
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June 5th 2012
Capsule on Julie Trudel on the In situ radio show (CIBL) |
Radio capsule on Julie Trudel and her exhibition "Projet CMYK - phase 2", presented at OPTICA until June 16th, will be broadcast during the In situ radio show, airing on CIBL this tuesday, June 5th, at 7pm.
Capsule : Julie Trudel (In situ, June 5th 2012) |
June 3rd 2012
Cynthia Girard's "Pierre Vallières et Josée Yvon" is the focus of a newly published article in the Le Devoir |
Cynthia Girard's "Pierre Vallières et Josée Yvon" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from May 12th to June 16th, is the subject of a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado, f(r)rictions politiques (Le Devoir, June 2nd-3rd 2012). |
March 14th 2012
Lancement de la publication «Résidence de recherche jeune création :: Olivia Boudreau, Anne-Lise Seusse» mercredi 14 mars, 18h à la librairie Ouvrir l'oeil, Lyon |
The following document is only available in French :
Cette publication, une coédition d’OPTICA et art3, a paru à la suite du séjour de Anne-Lise Seusse (2009) à Montréal et de Olivia Boudreau (2010) à Valence et à Sablons (Moly-Sabata) dans le cadre du programme croisé de résidence de recherche, initié par les deux structures partenaires. Sous la forme d’un journal illustré, de courts extraits retracent le parcours des artistes et les œuvres réalisées à l’échelle des deux régions.
Librairie Ouvrir l'oeil, 18 rue des Capucins 69001 Lyon, FRANCE |
March 8th 2012
Michel de Broin is the focus of a newly published article in Canadian Art |
Michel de Broin's latest exhibition, presented at Jessica Bradley ARTS + PROJECTS (Toronto) from February 18th to March 17th, is the subject of a newly published article by Sarah Milroy, Michel de Broin : Bright Matter (Canadian Art, March 8th 2012). |
December 31st 2011
New images online this Fall on "Décades" |
From September 2010 to April 2011, OPTICA had the pleasure of welcoming Renée Jespersen, second-year student in art history and member of the Institute for Co-operative education at Concordia University: “It was simply the most incredible experience an art history student could ever ask for. My work in the archives really opened my eyes to the prolific nature of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada as thriving artistic environments. I was invited to collaborate with four of the most caring and knowledgeable individuals, who also taught me a lot about the administrative duties of an artist-run centre.” Joining our ambitious project of processing and highlighting our archives, Renée first completed the transfer of previously selected documents to our virtual database (1980-1997), and helped select works from our archives for illustrating decades in 2011-2012. She was then in charge of the whole process up to putting them online. OPTICA is proud to present new images of works by the following artists : Pierre Boogaerts, Sorel Cohen, Cozic (Yvon et Monic), John Francis, Suzy Lake, Victor Landweber, Michel Saulnier, Cheryl Sourkes, Jana Sterbak, Serge Tousignant, Jean-Luc Vilmouth, Carol Wainio et Laurie Walker. Check them out this Fall! |
December 2nd 2011
OPTICA and a few of the centre's closest collaborators nominated & laureates at the Visual Art Awards! |
The winners were unveiled at the first Visual Art Awards, hosted by actor Emmanuel Bilodeau on December 13th at the newly renovated Rialto Theatre : : Marie-Claude Bouthillier couronnée au premier gala de l'AGAC (Mario Cloutier, La Presse, December 14th, 2011).
Best exhibition – Artist-Run Center
→ "Barda", Dazibao - Frédéric Lavoie
→ "Bunk Bed City", Centre Clark - Dean Baldwin
→ "Dans le ventre de la baleine", OPTICA, un centre d'art contemporain - Marie-Claude Bouthillier
Young Curator of the Year
→ Marie-Eve Beaupré *executive member of OPTICA's board of directors*
→ Meredith Carruthers
→ Sébastien Hudon
Art Critique of the Year - Specialized Media
→ Sylvain Campeau
→ Anne-Marie Ninacs *curator of the exhibition "My Glance is Clear Like a Sunflower" by Raymonde April, hosted by OPTICA from September 9th to October 15th, 2011 in collaboration with the Mois de la Photo*
→ André-Louis Paré *author for "Résidence de recherche jeune création : David Dupont, Diane Morin", published by art3 and OPTICA in 2009*
Art Critique/Journalist of the Year - Mass Media
→ Marie-Ève Charron, Le Devoir *executive member of OPTICA's board of directors*
→ Jérôme Delgado, Le Devoir
→ Nicolas Mavrikakis, Voir
Pierre-Ayot Award
→ Sarah Bertrand-Hamel
→ Patrick Bérubé
→ Olivia Boudreau *selected candidate for the 2010 edition of the résidence de recherche jeune création Montréal-Valence, a combined residency and grant program initiated by art3 and OPTICA*
Louis-Comtois Award
→ David Armstrong-Six
→ Marie-Claude Bouthillier *her project "Dans le ventre de la baleine"— showed at OPTICA from November 6th to December 11th 2010— is nominated as "Best exhibition – Artist-Run Center"*
→ Stéphane La Rue
To know more about all categories, please see the complete press release published by l'Association des galeries d'art contemporains (AGAC). Congratulations to all finalists!
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November 12th 2011
"Archi-féministes! : Archiver le corps (1st part)" is the focus of articles in Le Devoir and the Voir |
The "Archi-féministes! : Archiver le corps (1st part)" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from November 12th to December 17th, is the subject of newly published articles by Jérôme Delgado (Les archi-féministes s'exposent chez Optica, Le Devoir, November 12th, 2011) and Nicolas Mavrikakis (Matantisation, Germaines et Cie!, Voir, December 7th, 2011). |
September 15th 2011
Raymonde April : one of the 2011 Mois de la Photo's recommendations in the Voir |
Raymonde April's "My Glance Is Clear Like a Sunflower" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from September 9th to October 15th, is briefly mentioned and recommended in a newly published article by Nicolas Mavrikakis, Mois de la Photo 2011 : L'image ouverte? (Voir, September 15th, 2011). |
September 11th 2011
Anne-Lise Seusse (research residency at OPTICA in 2009) in Rendez-vous 11 |
Anne-Lise Seusse (Lyon) -- having carried out a two-month residency in Montreal in the Fall of 2009, thanks to the «Résidence de recherche jeune création, Montréal-Valence (France)» program instated by OPTICA and art3 -- is one of the 20 artists selected for Rendez-vous 11 (September 15th - November 13th, 2011) :
The following document is only available in French :
«Créée en 2002, Rendez-vous, plateforme internationale dédiée à la jeune création, associe, de façon inédite en France, trois institutions : le Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon, l’Institut d’art contemporain, Villeurbanne / Rhône-Alpes et l’Ecole nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Lyon.
En associant des commissaires et directeurs de Biennales, Rendez-vous est un projet unique qui donne lieu, une année, à une exposition en Rhône-Alpes en parallèle de la Biennale de Lyon et l’année suivante, à une manifestation à l’étranger sous la forme d’expositions et de résidences.
[...]
En 2011, Rendez-vous se déroule, comme en 2009, à l’Institut d’art contemporain, Villeurbanne / Rhône-Alpes, en parallèle à la 11e Biennale de Lyon. Plateforme internationale, Rendez-vous 11 se construit avec la collaboration de dix commissaires de neuf Biennales (Istanbul, São Paulo, Nouvelle-Orléans, Dakar, Liverpool, Sydney, Gwangju, Kochi Muziris, Moscou) et d’une Triennale (Yokohama). Cette édition rassemble vingt artistes des cinq continents dont dix résidant en France, avec des projets inédits en peinture, sculpture, vidéo, installation...»
Source : http://www.rendezvous11.fr/ |
September 1st 2011
OPTICA, un projet d'art contemporain (posters no.5 + no.6) |
As of January 2010, original artist projects highlighting current programming and the OPTICA Archives have been made freely available in the form of limited edition posters. Following upon Gabor Szilasi (no.1), Anne-Lise Seusse (no.2), Stéphane Gilot (no.3), and Suzy Lake (no.4), the next duo will be comprised of Raphaëlle de Groot (no. 5) and Rebecca Belmore (no. 6)—both of whom are among the array of renowned artists orbiting around the “Archi-féministes!” project. These exclusive documents are sure to contribute to the symbolic importance of the exhibition. Be on the look-out for them at the gallery! |
September 1st 2011
Upcoming publication : 2nd cycle of Montreal/Valence residencies |
As we are about to welcome Laurent Pernel (Lyon)—2011 award winner of the joint program between OPTICA and art3 (Valence)—the two hosting organizations are preparing a publication to conclude the second cycle of residencies. After the first publication, following Grenoble artist David Dupont’s stay in Montreal in 2006 and Montreal’s Diane Morin’s in Valence in 2007, this new document concerns the work of Anne-Lise Seusse (Lyon, winner 2009) and Olivia Boudreau (Montreal, winner 2010). In addition, just as Boudreau exhibited the results of her research at NÉON (Lyon) last February, Seusse will present photographs related to her stay in Montreal during the “Rendez-Vous 11”, an event to be held at the Institut d’art contemporain (Villeurbanne) this fall, in tandem with the Biennale de Lyon. |
August 27th 2011
Archi-féministes! : a 'not to miss' for next Fall according to Jérôme Delgado and Nicolas Mavrikakis |
The "Archi-féministes!" exhibition project, the first part of which will be presented at OPTICA from November 12th to December 17th ("Archiver le corps (Archiving the Body)"), is mentioned in a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado («Galeries et centres d'artistes - Photos et déclics historiques», Le Devoir, August 27th, 2011) and Nicolas Mavrikakis («Rentrée 2011 | arts visuels : Faits au Québec», Voir, 1er septembre 2011). |
April 14th 2011
12th presentation of Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal :: Raymonde April @ OPTICA |
"Lucidity. Inward Views" is the theme proposed by Anne-Marie Ninacs for the 12th presentation of Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal, which will be held from September 8th to October 9th, 2011. For the occasion, 25 solo exhibitions will be spread throughout Montreal transforming the city into a vast and coherent group show.
Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal in collaboration with OPTICA, a centre for contemporary art will feature the work of Canadian photographer Raymonde April. Through a selection of previously unpresented images, the artist opens a window into her own private universe – one to which she constantly returns to, subjecting her life and identity to her singular gaze.
Since the late 1970’s, Raymonde April has been recognized for skillfully balancing her photographic practice at the confluence of documentary, autobiography, and fiction. An insatiable lover of people, landscapes, stories, objects, and other apparently ordinary things that form identity, she constantly returns to the same sites, and the same subjects, in order to fully understand and revisit herself. For more than fifteen years, her work has led her to regularly reinterpret her own photographic archives. And this is exactly what she has done here by examining these archives in the light of the notion of self-representation, upon the request of Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal. The result is a composite self-portrait made of a number of previously unseen prints and brand-new images.
Raymonde April was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, in 1953. She lives in Montreal, where she has taught photography at Concordia University for more than twenty-five years. Her work has circulated widely in Canada and Europe. She has obtained numerous prestigious awards and honours, including the Prix Paul-Émile Borduas (2003) and the Order of Canada (2010).
Source : Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal's newsletter (April 14th, 2011)
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April 6th 2011
John Marriott interview on the In situ radio show (CIBL) |
An interview John Marriott gave during the opening of his exhibition "The sum of some" on Saturday, March 12th will be broadcast during the In situ radio show, airing on CIBL this Wednesday, April 6th, at 1pm. |
March 31st 2011
Team Macho's "3 out of 5 ain't bad" is the focus of a newly published article in the Voir |
Team Macho's "3 out of 5 ain't bad" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from March 12th to April 16th, is the subject of a newly published article by Nicolas Mavrikakis, Kent Monkman et Team Macho / Identité sexuelle (Voir, March 31rst, 2011). |
from March 25th 2011 to April 24th 2011
Anne-Lise Seusse (research residency at OPTICA in 2009) has an exhibition at VU |
Anne-Lise Seusse -- having carried out a two-month residency in Montreal in the Fall of 2009, thanks to the «Résidence de recherche jeune création, Montréal-Valence (France)» program instated by OPTICA and art3 -- is back on canadian soil for the opening of her exhibition «Le mont analogue» at VU, in Québec City, showing until April 24th. |
March 15th 2011
John Marriott + Team Macho recommended in Canadian Art's "Agenda Quebec" |
John Marriott's "The sum of some" and Team Macho's "3 out of 5 ain't bad", exhibitions shown at OPTICA until April 16th, are briefly mentioned and recommended in Canadian Art's "Agenda Quebec" section :
"Sidestepping post-conceptualism's usual one-line pitfall, Marriott makes smartly parodic works that outlast the initial chuckle. His multidisciplinary pieces merge disparate objects and narratives to upturn modernist ideals and invite visceral responses. The lively collective Team Macho shows concurrently."
("A national and international roundup of the season's best exhibitions / Agenda Quebec", Canadian Art, Spring 2011, p. 29.) |
March 4th 2011
John Marriott's "The sum of some" is the focus of a newly published article in The Globe and Mail |
John Marriott's "The sum of some" exhibition, presented at OPTICA from March 12th to April 16th, is the subject of a newly published article by R.M. Vaughan, John Marriott mashes cultural tropes in Montreal (The Globe and Mail, March 4th, 2011). |
February 17th 2011
In memory of Laurie Walker (1962-2011) |
"Laurie Ann Walker passed away February 11, 2011 after a lengthy illness.[...] She was a brilliant artist, a talented painter and prominent member of the Quebec contemporary art community. Her works and installations were shown, and remain, in museums and galleries across Canada and overseas. Some rest in private collections. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allison University, and a Masters in Sculpture from the Nova Scotia School of Art and Design.[...]"
Deaths: Laurie Ann Walker 1962-2011 ( Globe and Mail, 16 février 2011).
Laurie Walker, exposition solo, From February 27th 1999 to April 3rd 1999 at Optica.
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February 17th 2011
Mary Sui Yee Wong's "Wanghàng" is part of the dossier "L'art public à Montréal" |
Mary Sui Yee Wong "Wanghàng", presented during the exhibition "La Demeure" (2002), is part of special issue on public art in Montreal published by the website art-public.com.
Public Art in Montreal ( www.art-public.com, february 2011). |
February 10th 2011
Nelly-Ève Rajotte interview on the Espace Visuel radio show (CINQ FM 102,3) |
Nelly-Ève Rajotte was one of the guests of the Espace Visuel radio show aired on CINQ FM 102,3, Thursday, February 10th.
Nelly-Ève Rajotte's Interview (Espace visuel, February 10th 2011) |
February 9th 2011
Olivia Boudreau (2010 laureate of the "Résidence de recherche jeune création, Montréal-Valence (France)") presents her work at NÉON in Lyon |
Olivia Boudreau :: 2010 Laureate of the "résidence de recherche jeune création Montréal-Valence" will presents her work at Néon in Lyon (France) from February 12th to March 19th, 2011. The exhibition is in collaboration with art3.
Olivia Boudreau has benefited from The "résidence de recherche jeune création", initiated by art3, Valence and Optica, Montreal, a centre for contemporary art, the exchange programme receives the support from la Région Rhones-Alpes, the Ministère des relations internationales du Québec and the Consulat général de France. It's a partnership with Moly-Sabata artistic residency and Albert Gleizes Foundation.
This exhibition receives the support of the CALQ and FIXART.
More informations::
Olivia Boudreau at Néon
Olivia Boudreau:: Research Residency art 3
OPTICA ::Olivia Boudreau,
Résidence de recherche jeune création Montréal-Valence from October 1st to December 31st, 2010
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February 4th 2011
"OPTICA : publications in contemporary art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Library |
This fall, a selection of OPTICA’s critical publications have joined the roughly 700,000 tomes that make up the famous Thomas J. Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (http://libmma.org/portal/). After being approached by chief librarian Kenneth Soehner, the centre has graciously accepted to donate thirteen works, including “Sur l’expérience de la ville: Interventions en mileu urbain” (1999), “Creative Confusions : Interdisciplinary Practices in Contemporary” (2001), and “La Demeure” (2008). See our online catalogue for more information on these publications and for other essential reading in contemporary art. |
February 3rd 2011
Archives Internship : Renee Jespersen @ OPTICA |
For the second consecutive year, it gives OPTICA great pleasure to welcome a student from Concordia University’s Institute for Co-operative Education. From September 2010 to April 2011, second year art history student Renée Jespersen joins the ambitious effort to process and promote our archival fonds. This fall, she was given the mandate to complete the online publication of data previously collated in our archives for the 1980-1997 period, in French and in English. The fruits of her labour are available for all to see in our electronic index, Decades, on our website. Our online database is now complete!
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February 1st 2011
Nelly-Ève Rajotte interview on the In situ radio show (CIBL) |
Nelly-Ève Rajotte will be one of the guests of the In situ radio show aired on CIBL, Wednesday, February 2th at 1 pm.
Nelly-Ève Rajotte's Interview (In situ, Februray 2th 2011) |
January 21st 2011
Marie-Claude Bouthillier's "Dans le ventre de la baleine" is the focus of a newly published review in Esse arts + opinions |
Marie-Claude Bouthilliers' exhibition "Dans le ventre de la baleine", was presented at Optica in the fall of 2010, is the subject of a newly published review by Anne-Marie St-Jean Aubre Marie-Claude Bouthillier - Dans le ventre de la baleine (Esse arts + opinions, no.71, Winter 2011.) |
January 21st 2011
Yan Giguère's "Attractions" is the subject of a newly published interview in CV87 |
Yan Giguère's exhibition "Attractions", presented at Optica in the fall of 2009, is the subject of a newly published interview between the artist and Sylvain Campeau Gravity and Tropism (CV87, Winter 2011).
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December 23rd 2010
Marie-Claude Bouthillier's "Dans le ventre de la baleine" ranks at the head of the top 5 best shows by Nicolas Mavrikakis |
Marie-Claude Bouthillier "Dans le ventre de la baleine" ranks at the head of the top 5 2010 best shows by Nicolas Mavrikakis Revue 2010 / Arts visuels - Une année radicale? (Voir, December 23rd 2010).
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December 23rd 2010
Marie-Claude Bouthillier's "Dans le ventre de la baleine" ranks at in Canadian Art's "Top 3: Quebec Quality" |
"Dans le ventre de la baleine" ranks in Marie-Eve Beaupré’s Top 3: Quebec Quality / various locations jan to dec 2010 (Canadian Art, 23 décembre 2010). |
November 30th 2010
Marie-Claude Bouthillier interview at the Désautels radio show (CBC/Radio-Canada) |
Marie-Claude Bouthilliers' exhibition "Dans le ventre de la baleine", presented at Optica until December 11th, is the subject of a radio interview on The Désautels Show Marie-Claude Bouthillier's interview ( Désautels, November 29th 2010) |
November 18th 2010
Marie-Claude Bouthillier's "Dans le ventre de la baleine" is the focus of a newly published article in le Voir |
Marie-Claude Bouthilliers' exhibition "Dans le ventre de la baleine", presented at Optica until December 11th, is the subject of a newly published article by Nicolas Mavrikakis Marie-Claude Bouthillier - Naviguer sur la toile ( Voir, 18 novembre 2010) |
October 16th 2010
Mallarmé. Le Livre. The Complete Special Edition at Optica |
Optica has received a few of the 24 limited edition copies comprising all existing versions of Klaus Scherübel’s «Mallarmé. Le Livre» ; each set is offered with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. Collectors, take note!
Specifications
- Each book measures 24 x 15,8 x 3,6 cm
- Printed cover
- Polystyrene block and plastic film
Production
Limited edition of 24 copies
Price
€200 / $300
Produced and published by
Das Buch (Walther König Verlag, 2001) – German
The Book (Printed Matter Inc., 2004) – English
Le Livre (Optica & Mudam, 2005) – French
Het Boek (mfc-michèle didier, 2009) – Dutch
All rights reserved. No part of this edition may be reproduced in any form or by any means.
Go to publications catalogue. |
October 16th 2010
Pierre Boogaerts is the focus of a newly published article in Le Devoir |
Pierre Boogaerts' exhibition "Voitures bleues et ciel au-dessus de chacune d’elles (1976-1979) |Coins de rues (Pyramides) N.Y. 1978-79, Partie I (1978-1979)", presented at Optica until October 16th, is the subject of a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado Constructions et visions diverses (Le Devoir, October 16th-17th 2010) |
September 21st 2010
Cecile Brass performance cancelled |
Cecile Brass's performance, who was suppose to take place during the conference of Res Artis, will be deferred during the exhibition "Optica invites Tribe" from May 7th to June 11th, 2011.
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September 17th 2010
Stéphane Gilot's "Mondes modèles" are the focus of a newly published article in Esse arts + opinions |
As part of its issue on miniatures, Esse magazine presents "Mondes modèles" de Stéphane Gilot.
Portfolio:: Stéphane Gilot (Esse, fall 2010, p.55)
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August 19th 2010
Optica is looking for Volunteers |
Become a volunteer and gain experience at a renowned art centre!
How you can help?
There are various things you can do, depending on your skills and interests. We are looking for self-motivated individuals with social skills and some familiarity with computers. Being bilingual is also an asset. Hours are flexible and can adapt to your schedule. Students looking for internship are welcome.
How to become a volunteer
Please send us a letter describing your interests, your areas of competence, and your availability (max. one page) along with your resumé (max. two pages) by mail or email :
communications [at] optica.ca
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August 13th 2010
Sylvia Winkler + Stephan Köperl's "Urbang" is the focus of a newly published article in Vie des arts |
The exhibition "Urbang", presented at Optica in the spring of 2010, is the subject of a newly published article by Christian Roy Interventions locales à l'échelle mondiale: Des quartiers chinois au Griffintown (Vie des arts, summer 2010) |
May 22nd 2010
Gilot, Winkler + Köperl are the focus of a newly published article in Le Devoir |
The exhibitions "The Performative City" and "Urbang", presented at Optica until June 12th, are the subject of a newly published article by Jérôme Delgado Cités de demain, cités d'aujourd'hui (Le Devoir, May 22th-23th 2010) |
April 20th 2010
Sylvia Winkler + Stephan Köperl at the Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd 2010 |
PPR: Passenger Propelled Rickshaw / Earth Day 2010
Sylvia Winkler & Stephan Köperl
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Square Saint-Louis:: 12pm - 2pm
Goethe-Institut, 418 Sherbrooke E.:: 3pm - 5:30pm
THE PPR* EXPERIENCE
Discover a new means of transportation developed by Sylvia Winkler, Stephan Köperl and artists from India
With their PPR, the passenger propelled rickshaw, Sylvia Winkler and Stephan Köperl encourage people from all walks of life to use this healthy and eco-friendly means of transport. In this vehicle the hierarchy of passenger/puller is transformed into a collaborative unit in which physical power and logistical knowledge are shared to bring things forward. Please take a breathtaking ride on our PPR to fuel the dream of a post-oil society!
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April 6th 2010
Launch of the DVD "Diane Landry, installations & performances 2008-2009" : Thursday, April 8th (5 pm - 7 pm) at le Port de tête |
The DVD "Diane Landry, installations & performances 2008-2009" is a compilation of 5 installations and 3 performances presented throughout 2008-2009. It also includes a booklet with an essay by Alison Syme entitled Knight of Infinte Resignation & What Comes Out in the Wash which accompanies the exhibition Knight of Infinite Resignation, a project created by Diane Landry, and commissioned by l´Œil de Poisson with funding from the Canada Council for Arts. The exhibition was presented for the first time in Québec City from September 11 to October 18, 2009. It is currently being shown at Optica until April, 17th 2010.
Diane Landry, installations & performances 2008-2009
28 pages booklet with color photos
DVD
Video ntsc ~ 45 min
5 installations & 3 performances 2008-2009
extra : 2 interviews and technical documentation of the performance l’Imperméable.
ISBN 978-2-9803525-9-1
Le Port de tête
262, Mont-Royal E., Montreal |
March 20th 2010
Diane Landry's "Knight of Infinite Resignation" is the subject of a newly published article in Le Devoir |
Diane Landry's exhibition "Knight of Infinite Resignation", presented at Optica until April 17th, is the subject of a newly published article by Marie-Ève Charron Roues égrenant le temps (Le Devoir, 20-21 mars 2010) |
March 11th 2010
Yan Giguère's "Attractions" is the subject of a newly published article in CV84 |
Yan Giguère's exhibition "Attractions", presented at Optica in the fall of 2009, is the subject of a newly published article by Sylvain Campeau Yan Giguère (CV84, spring 2010) |
March 11th 2010
Sophie Bélair Clément's "Le son du projecteur" is the subject of a newly published article in Cmagazine |
Sophie Bélair Clément's exhibition "Le son du projecteur", presented at Optica in the fall of 2009, is the subject of a newly published article by Jesse Mckee Sophie Bélair Clément : Le son du projecteur (Cmagazine, spring 2010) |
March 10th 2010
Gabor Szilasi won the Governor general's Award in Visual and Media Arts |
«Forcier, Tousignant et Szilasi remportent les Prix du Gouverneur général»
Le Devoir et La Presse canadienne
Original document (in French) :
«[...] Quant au photographe Gabor Szilasi, on écrit qu'il perçoit, depuis plus de 50 ans, «le présent avec acuité et saisit, en 1/125 de seconde, l'urgence de témoigner de l'éphémère expression de la nature humaine». Toujours actif malgré ses 81 ans, Szilasi s'est beaucoup intéressé à la nature humaine et à l'architecture. Son travail a fait l'objet d'une rétrospective à l'été 2009 au Musée d'art de Joliette.» Forcier, Tousignant et Szilasi remportent les Prix du Gouverneur général (Le Devoir, édition du 10 mars 2010) |
January 16th 2010
Artist projects freely distributed as posters |
As of January 2010, original artist projects related to OPTICA’s programming and archives are freely distributed as posters at the gallery, as well as in different libraries, artist run centres, and museums. The first posters highlight the work of Anne-Lise Seusse, Gabor Szilasi, and, soon, Stéphane Gilot. A list of points of distribution is available on our website. OPTICA invites you then on a contemporary art circuit throughout the city : keep an eye out, look around, and start a collection!
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December 31st 2009
"La demeure" (2002) : one of last decade's important exhibitions for art critic Jérôme Delgado |
"La demeure" is part of Jerôme Delgado's personal chronology of a first decade spent as a critic :
Original document (in French) :
"Septembre 2002, la thématique. La demeure, Optica, un centre d'art contemporain. Dix-huit artistes sont éparpillés à travers la ville, dans des lieux autant publics que privés. Le thème — l'habitat, une réalité nomade et précaire — rassemble des oeuvres coup-de-poing, telles que Trou, une roulotte transformée par Michel de Broin, les ballons en latex encombrants d'Ana Rewakowicz ou les murales en sucre de Shelley Miller. La commissaire: Marie Fraser, désormais conservatrice en chef au MACM."
(De Visu - Couvrir depuis 2000, Le Devoir, édition du 31 décembre 2009.) |
October 10th 2009
Mallarmé. Le Livre at the S.M.A.K. |
As part of Klaus Scherüber’s exhibition at the S.M.A.K. (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, in Ghent) next October 10 to January 31, the publishers mfc-michèle didier will bring out the Dutch version of Malllarmé, The Book. A special edition comprising the four existing versions - Das Buch (Walther Koenig Verlag, 2001), The Book (Printed Matter Inc., 2004), Le Livre (Optica and Mudam Luxembourg, 2005), and Het Boek (mfc-michèle didier, 2009) — will also be presented. This box set will be issued in only 24 copies and reserved for museums and collectors... if you’re one, don’t miss your chance! |
from September 15th 2009 to December 18th 2009
Archives internship : Stéphanie Laoun @ OPTICA |
From September to December 2009, OPTICA has had the pleasure welcoming Stéphanie Laoun, third-year art history student and member of Concordia University’s Institute for Co-operative Education. After her internships at the McCord Museum and the Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery, she joined the ambitious project of processing and promoting our archives: "This has been a very enriching experience for me, not only due to the variety of archival material I got to work with, but also because of the support I received from the gallery staff. I consider myself privileged to have participated in the Décades project." The results of her research—covering the years 1980-1997—have already been included in our printed educational material and will be put online throughout the year.
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from September 1st 2009 to November 30th 2009
Résidence de recherche jeune création : Anne-Lise Seusse @ OPTICA |
Originally from Lyon, France, Anne-Lise Seusse produces photographic work that broaches issues of territory, especially the micro phenomena of the ritualization of particular spaces through leisure activities. The creation of these singular communities - skeet-shooting retirees, or free riders traversing a military zone - gnerates situations that sometimes run counter to the location's "political" organization. Seusse's journalistic forays seek out such areas of slippage and confrontation. She pursues her research in Montreal, making portraits of young roleplayers taking part in medieval fantasy live action games at the Mont-Royal. |
April 23rd 2009
Diane Morin's and David Dupont's artists' books launch : April 23rd in Valence, June 13th in Montreal |
This publication follows up on research residencies undertaken by David Dupont (Grenoble) in Montreal and Diane Morin (Montreal) in Valence. This project was made possible with the support of the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Québec, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and Région Rhône-Alpes. It includes a booklet with an exchange between Optica director Marie-Josée Lafortune and Sylvie Vojik of art3, a text by author André-Louis Paré, and the artist's books of David Dupont (link currently available in French only) and Diane Morin (link currently available in French only).
Book launches on April 23rd at l'École des beaux-arts de Valence and on June 13th at OPTICA.
See our publications' catalogue. (link currently available in French only)
Available at the following editors and distributors :
OPTICA, a centre for contemporary art
372 Ste-Catherine Ouest, room 508
Montreal, Quebec H3B 1A2 Canada
T + 514 874 1666
F + 514 874 1682
www.optica.ca
art3
8, rue Sabaterie
F-26000 Valence
France
T +33 (0)4 75 55 31 24
F + 33 (0)4 75 55 01 42
www.art-3.org
r-diffusion
6 Rue Saint Guillaume
67000 STRASBOURG France
T +33 (0)6 61 83 59 00
F +33 (0)3 88 55 93 31
www.rdiffusion.free.fr
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January 1st 2009
Reference works available for consultation at the gallery |
OPTICA houses an important library of monographic publications and exhibition catalogues, from Canada, the United States, and abroad. The public may visit the gallery to consult titles in the collection. A database has been set up to assist research. For enquiries, please call the gallery. |
