Art students prepare for a Sortie
Those fancying an outing to see something a little different in coming weeks might be interested in the 2012 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Student Exhibition. It showcases works by first- and second-year graduate students in studio arts program.
Entitled Sortie, this year’s exhibition begins Friday, March 23 with a special screening and performances, and runs until Thursday, April 5.
The works of more than 50 artists will be shown at the former École des beaux-arts, on St-Urbain Street.
“It’s a highly unusual space to be showing in; it’s like an old, bombed-out school,” says Emily Jan, a second-year MFA student in fibres. It’s nothing like the typical white art gallery, she notes: “I’m excited to see what will happen to a lot of people’s work when it comes out of a pristine white box.”
With all areas of the studio arts represented, the multi-floored exhibition features new works in areas such as installation, painting, photography and printmaking. They range from Jan’s life-sized tiger made of felt and textiles to experimental film screenings to sculptures made with found objects. Some of the pieces were created specifically to fit with the venue, which boasts high ceilings as well as nooks and crannies.
“You’ll see a bunch of different things,” says Rickie Lea Owens, a first-year master’s student in open media whose contribution is a video installation featuring her performing with dogs. “It’ll be like an art zoo.”
The exhibition is unique in that it’s initiated and staged by the students. From fundraising to promotion to installation to greeting visitors during opening hours, the graduate students are responsible for putting their own best foot forward.
Sortie follows last year’s MFA project, a publication titled Lucky 7 Chanceux, due for release shortly. Funding for this year’s exhibition comes from different sources, including departmental contributions, support from the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and student fundraising efforts.
The exhibition is free of charge and open to the public.
What: Vernissage for Sortie
When: Friday, March 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Former École des beaux-arts, 3450 St-Urbain St. (Place-des-Arts metro station)
What: Sortie: MFA Exhibition
When: March 23 to April 5, 2012 ?Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday-Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and Thursday-Friday from noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Former École des beaux-arts, 3450 St-Urbain St.
For more information, contact Sabrina Russo at sruss@alcor.concordia.ca or 514-848-2424, ext. 5672.
Related links:
• MFA in Studio Arts
• Fine Arts Spring Shows