Appreciating art at FOFA
The last time I remember going to an art gallery or museum was on a high school field trip. So as I walked through the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV) on my way to the metro, I thought I would follow up on one of my New Year’s resolutions – to take in more of Montreal’s cultural offerings.
The Faculty of Fine Arts (FOFA) Gallery is located between the Ste-Catherine and Mackay street entrances where thousands of students, faculty, staff and Montrealers pass through every day. I was surprised at how many people took a break from their daily routines to look at the FOFA’s corridor display.
The first thing I noticed was a wall mural of dogs painted in khaki, green and earth-tone colours. These dogs are called the Cuddle Commandos, symbolizing an anti-military “army” that promotes peace. Complementing this exhibit is the satirical Passive Passive Pink display of military gear and weapons painted in magenta-pink.
As I approached the mural, I saw what appeared to be a recruitment station in front of the exhibit. “Thank you for your interest in the Cuddle Commandos. I have a few questions to ask you in order to evaluate your eligibility for service,” said Christopher Moore, assistant professor in design and computation arts and creator of this project.
I was Moore’s first official recruit into his army of “citizen anti-warriors.” After the Cuddle Commander stamped my paper, he gave me a pink pin that matched the colour of his Passive Passive Pink military satire display. I was now committed to “calling attention to the influence of the military on today’s culture.”
At the opposite end, I noticed a crowd entranced by another FOFA exhibit. Concordia art education doctoral student Maria Ezcurra had her eyes fixed on a live model, FOFA Gallery Director Jake Moore. Holding bobby pins in her teeth, Ezcurra examined the garment worn by Moore, who was standing against the wall, eyes closed and arms extended. As onlookers watched curiously, Ezcurra adjusted the garment and begins to cut and nail Moore’s garment to the wall, making a shape of angel wings.
“All of my models are Concordia students, so I will showcase people from the university and their identities. Every article of clothing represents a person. This is called social art, where individual pieces come together to make a group,” explained Ezcurra. Her project is called Abiertas. “In Spanish this term is used for opening a window. It’s connected to sharing and showcasing and I’m doing that with these garments,” said Ezcurra.
Moore added “this place isn’t just an art gallery; it’s not about me or you, but the notion of people coming together to question everyday life.”
I left the gallery thinking about art in a very different way. I saw a real passion for creativity. What's your impression of art?
Related link:
• FOFA Gallery