Posted at 8:00 a.m.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
The exhibition, called Complicity with chance, is doing particularly well in cultural mediation, with its winks and just as many risky stagings. On this scorching July afternoon, a dozen young people aged 8 and 9 from the Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens school day camp came to appreciate the 22 works, in the presence of the artist.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
In his soft and calm voice, Pierre-Paul Pariseau explains to children his approach, namely his technique of cutting (by hand), then collage (by computer), thanks to which he has created, and for 30 years now, his illustrations for all audiences, so special, with a unique style, recognizable among a thousand. It is not for nothing that he got a mention among the most talented artists of our time (The Illustrator: 100 Best From Around The World2019-2020).
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
The animation, led by cultural agent Liette Gauthier and two specialized animators, lasts about two hours. And to see the young people listen attentively and participate actively, with repeated raised hands, we understand that the images hook them.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
For good reason: surrealist collages make you smile. Bright colors too. Moreover, the young people do not miss one, and participate as they wish. “I think…”, “it looks like…!” », their imagination overflows. “Looks like a poisonous plant!” », « It’s the blood moon! “. “All interpretations can be good”, takes care to confirm the main interested party, Pierre-Paul Pariseau.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
Here, a giraffe on a bridge, there, a toad in a swimming pool. Work after work, young people are invited to observe, analyze and, above all, tell a story. Obviously, the ideas are not lacking. “I think the gentleman is angry because the bird took his watch,” says one. “The little bird has laid a huge egg! “, proposes the other. “And there, is it global warming? asks the cultural agent.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
Pierre-Paul Pariseau, self-taught illustrator whose work can be appreciated in various publications, from Quebec Science to Carnegie Reporter passing through the British Medical Journal, has known for a long time that his works catch (among others) young people. “But I’m not doing this for the kids!” “, he takes the trouble to specify.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
“If it can bring them something, so much the better. If it can open their imagination, their creativity, so much the better. And even if it only amuses them, while it lasts, that’s okay too! », Launches the illustrator.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, THE PRESS
Note: young people are invited here to create a mural, from clippings of posters (provided by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, among others), inspired by the artist’s approach. Pierre-Paul Pariseau will then draw inspiration from the said mural, with a view to creating a new illustration of his own, which will be permanently preserved by the Ahuntsic cultural center. “I already have ideas, but I won’t tell you, it’s a surprise! »
Complicity with chance is presented at the Maison de la culture Ahuntsic until September 18.