LUC PARADIS / QUEBEC
APPROACH
The drawings and paintings of Luc Paradis are inhabited by wandering characters from tales and legends of an invented folklore. These characters wander through strange landscapes punctuated by industrial or vernacular architectures. A complex and singular visual vocabulary deploys within this unusual universe and it is charged with esoteric signs and symbols representing the cycles of nature and life. Particularly moving are the naïve and awkward execution of his drawings, the caricatural aspect of the characters and the ingenious mixing anecdotal and fantastic scenes. Luc Paradis uses a variety of supports and integrates found materials, fragments of poetic texts, personal lists and statements that have the aphoristic content of proverbs. He explodes his creations into multiple little pictures which he juxtaposes on the wall thus creating a constellation which allows a playful narration. Luc Paradis also pursues a performance practice of live painting in cooperation with numerous artists such as Other and Heavyweight Productions (HVW8). For a number of years, he has been active on the Montréal alternative music scene where, in addition to performing music, he has created the graphics for the albums of groups such as Pas chic chic, Feu Thérèse, A Silver Mount Zion, Diebold and Set Fire to Flames.
PROJECT
“I would like to pursue and develop a new series of ink drawings which I started recently by favouring a palette of earthy colours to tell tales that are all at once obscure and peaceful. In an indefinite historical period and a strong theatrical décor, wandering characters (travelers, exiles, pilgrims and prophets) will appear to be driven by hidden forces”.
MILESTONES
Tired Old Stories, Galerie Le Kop Shop, Montréal (2007), Family Reunion, Pharmacie Esperanza, Montréal (2006), Winter Wind Will Blow, Funderground, Montréal (2005), Shakey Days, Pharmacie Esperanza, Montréal (2004).