Traditionally 'feminine' crafts meet contemporary art at new Montreal exhibit

A new Montreal exhibit attempts to bridge the gap between traditionally "feminine" crafts and the world of contemporary art, offering a critical look at the era in which we live.

The exhibit, entitledSingular mythologies, features the work of three female artists of varying backgrounds.

Isabelle de Mvius, curator and executive director of1700 La Poste,arranged the works on three floors ofthe gallery in a juxtapositionof the myths and realities which can influence an individual.

"I think these three artists have a singular way of doing things and that's why I put them together in this exhibition," she said.

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Hungarian-born Anna Torma chooses the traditionally female art of embroidery as her medium embroidery being considered a craftand therefore not regulated as much as fine art was in the HungarianPeople's Republic.

This allowedTormathe freedom to create socially challenging works before eventually fleeing the regime in 1988 and immigrating to Canada.

In the case of Marigold Santos, an artist from the Philippines, the theme of displacement merges with fantastical creatures of Filipino folklore, which appear as both beautiful young women and demons, depending on the time of day.

Her work is displayed in the dark basement under florescent lights to enhance its dream-like quality.

The works of Claire Labont are found on the gallery's main floor and one spans 20 metres as a tapestry-like narrative.

Each incorporates molecular images and fantastical creatures which she weaves through her work intuitively, deMvius said.

Helping artist promote themselves

De Mvius founded La Poste, located on Notre-Dame Street in the city's Southwest borough, to give primarily Quebec-based artists a chance to be shown in a gallery and have a book made of their work.

In the process, the artists are given an important tool for self-promotion something that can bea challenge for artists,deMvius said.

"If they don't have enough documentation, it's difficult [to become known]," she said.

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The gallery is self-funded, which her gives her the freedom to choose the artists and themes she's interested in.

This means she doesn't have to ask funding bodies for their approval before moving forward with an idea.

"I'm happy because I don't have to say, 'can I do this?'" de Mvius said.

Singular mythologiesruns until Dec. 18 and is free to visit at 1700 Notre-Dame Street West.