Current exhibition

Cozic, «Masque-dessin», 1975, picture, drawing, collage, 58 x 82 cm (detail)

ARTISTE MODELE

09.09.2010 – 16.10.2010

Galerie Graff is pleased to launch the 2010-2011 season with the group exhibition " Artiste-modèle ", for which Madeleine Forcier has brought together the works of Pierre Ayot, Gwenael Bélanger, Thomas Corriveau, Cozic, Raphaëlle de Groot, Denis Farley, Raymond Lavoie, Paul Litherland, Gabor Szilasi and Serge Tousignant.

The portrait is undoubtedly one of the most prominent genres, which throughout centuries has allowed us to witness at once the personality, the dress, the workplace and life, obsessions and of course the preferred techniques of the artist/subject. For some, who are represented at each stage of their lives, this exercise functions as a diary; while others simply wanted a moment frozen in time, the best image of themselves. Invariably, these self-portraits are designated as such and there is no doubt about the goal of the work. On the other hand, we’ve also seen in several paintings artists who have their faces joined to the body of a saint, a noble or an influential figure in the representation of a prestigious assembly. Their depiction is often anachronistic, appearing anonymously and as intruders. But beyond the desired effect, the artists’ use of their own image is a process that enables them to have at their disposal a constant model and collaborator.

It is from this perspective that the works in the exhibition " Artiste-modèle " were chosen. Indeed, whether open or concealed, blending with the environment or the form of a classical torso, or even if the subject itself is the support or accessory, no evidence other than the artist’s body is present to identify him or her.These works were created between 1964 and 2009 by artists of different generations and are indicative of their respective artistic practices and creative research. Whether in the context of a performance, a series of portraits or installations, for the purpose of a poster or a technical exercise, these artists have used their appearance and taken advantage of the availability of their own representation to serve the purpose of the
work and adopting the dual role of artist and model.

Current exhibition