Photo by the artist herself, Dita Kubin.

“I don’t know much about Art, but I know what I like.” This phrase, repeated countless times in one form or another, was actually coined over a century ago. My version would be “I don’t know much about photography, but I know what I like” which, I must admit, applied to me at least until a few years ago. That is until I met the most talented of photographers who, with time, changed my view and understanding of the art form, and allowed me to appreciate and admire her creative process and the stunning visual results.

The artist in question is Dita Kubin, a Montreal-based artist who, in the course of the last couple of years, has received much attention for her photographic work. In particular, a series of black and white portraits entitled “Recollections” has garnered numerous international awards and much critical acclaim. The full title of the project, “Memory Streams and the Reconstructed Portrait”, provides insight into her artistic intentions as well as revealing her interest in the nature of memory and its relationship to space-time. Having been lucky enough to observe how some of these works were created, the importance of multi-dimensionality (the three spatial dimensions as well as that of time) to the conception of the project became clear. This is not obvious for a medium often seen as clearly two-dimensional.

The models, always solitary, were chosen amongst friends, acquaintances and strangers. Once a basic concept for a photographic work was formulated, many shots were taken over a short period of time using traditional black and white film. In some instances, several sessions were involved, generating numerous series of images which were then all scanned and the next creative step initiated. Through careful overlapping of the individual shots in a process of controlled improvisation, the captured span of time is fused into a single visual moment, just as a memory often consists of a sole mental image constructed from the many collected by the observer’s mind over a period of time. The final product of this painstaking procedure is a coherent visual work which in no manner betrays it’s composite nature. The portraits truly capture the uneven nature of visual memory, contrasting sharp details, be it an eye or hand, with less defined, blurred areas. Strong foreshortening often adds a sense of proximity. Unlike photographs which capture “an instant in time”, Dita’s work encapsulates the period during which the mind gathers and processes a stream of images which, after mental editing, congeal into a concise memory which often emphasizes one particular facet of the subject, something existing beyond the temporal realm. The results are truly beautiful.

Photo by Dita Kubin.

More recently, Dita has added colour to her portrait work in a continuation of this project which has led, in turn, to a new creative endeavour. These newer photographs center on the theme of self-image and the letting go of the myriad of ways in which we deal with both negative and positive feelings as to how others perceive us. Admittedly a difficult act, Dita challenged herself by exploring nude self-portraits, confronting herself as a person stripped of the protective layers we, or more precisely women, use to alter or conceal who they are physically. In her own words, “What is this avoidance in women to look at themselves as they are? What would happen if I confronted this woman body that I am, and how would this confrontation unfold?” Indeed, this confrontation mediated by her camera has resulted in another stunning series of images – sensual and provocative, yet honest in its very personal examination of the struggle of a woman confronting her physical self in a world where this truth is often obscured by emotions, modified by dress and skewed by social conventions, all distorting the true image. Not limited to self-portraits or nudes, this recent endeavour will explore the issues of physical self-image in other individuals as well, underlining how different this confrontation can be from woman to woman. The results are sure to be striking.

Whether you are a well-versed connoisseur of the photographic medium or someone like myself who simply enjoys images, I encourage you to visit Dita’s website (www.phudge.ca). She is a consummate artist who stubbornly adheres to her artistic vision, constantly questioning the nature of the world around her and our perception of it. Through her lens, we can often see not only an image but an exploration of how we observe and process the river of visual information which confronts us constantly. Thanks to her, the phrase which opened this text no longer applies to my relationship to photography, at least not the first half of it. As far the second goes, “like” is much too weak a word to describe my sentiments towards Dita Kubin’s creations and her integrity as an artist.

Written by,
Stephen H. Kawai

Photo by Stephen H. Kawai

A city where good and bad art seem to go hand in hand around the strips of Montreal; very few artists stand out from the crowd. I’ve been to plenty art shows and have never been impressed by much that is out there. But once in awhile you attend a group exhibition and something out of the corner catches your eye… Was it an impressive painting, sculpture or installation art that had gathered my attention across the room? No, what caught my eye was a perfect balance of rocks, elements, wires and strings. These were the mobiles of Montreal artist Stephen H. Kawai.

Having met the artist, a humble man to say the least, his mobiles were impressive. With a background in chemistry  you can see the inner artist shining through his mobiles. Somewhere, somehow in a complex world of strands, molecules and the periodic tables, Stephen H. Kawai sees the beauty behind these elements and transforms them into a perfect balance of shapes represented in natural life or abstraction. However you analyze or simply enjoy the mobiles, one cannot deny the complexity but simplicity in its design. The complexity is in balance and materials; he uses anything from fossils, shells, coral, stones and marble spheres in his works; to create the overall “seemingly” simplicity of the final hanging mobile. A challenge for many artists is to convey the message, feelings and interpretations without over complicating the theme. It is that skill that makes Stephen’s artwork so special. Looking above or staring ahead at every slight movement, the mobiles will delight the viewers eye at every angle.

Stephen’s artistic history stems far beyond chemistry and years of fiddling with materials. His inspiration and style developed after he spent time in Paris,France in the early 90’s. The city where mobiles actually originated from. On his return to Montreal in 1994 with focus and new found inspiration; Stephen’s mobiles became reality. Now with over a decade of mobile creation; he continues to experiment with new materials, but the foundation of his artworks remain the same. I invite anyone interested in a visually intriguing experience to have a look and enjoy the works of Stephen’s H. Kawai.

http://www.shkawai.ca

Written by:
CAS Admin

Pete Möss; up and coming Montreal band featured countless times on MMS. Photo by Michel Thériault.

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you for coming back to the CAS, we hope to continue to deliver you with more reviews and inside thought about the arts in Canada. We kick off the new year with an organization i had been affiliated with many eons ago, the MMS (Montreal Music Scene).

One of the most unique things about Montreal vs other cities is its array of cultures, languages and without a doubt their absolute hunger for music. The character and diversity in all its flavour has created a special birth ground for many artist in all disciplines but music has always held true. Is it any wonder why Bon Jovi, Supertramp, Roger Waters, Rush have always make a stop here? No, because there is no wonder; Montreal loves music and they love their greats. This being said the MMS has lead the way for the past 7 years to bring us the latest up to date information on all upcoming concerts and local acts in and around the city.

Founded in 2002 they’ve been delivering myself and countless others insight on concert reviews and events happening in and around the city. Lead by their fearless leader Valerie Pyke, who by the way, does a lot if not most of the photography at the major concerts. Having the pleasure of meeting her, she’s a spunky 80’s rocker chick that has a passion for the industry and if anyone knows anything about music it would be her. On the other end of the spectrum you have Jennifer Lariviere, vice president of the MMS, what she brings to the table is her invaluable writing skills to bring us in depth news on the music scene, seen through the eyes of someone in the trenches. Needless to say these gal pals are on the right track, building a fan base from nothing to over 10 000 members and 85 000 hits a month! They also attend and judge rock battles between the best and the worst bands in and around the area. If you don’t want a snobby editorial insight on the events, the reviewers from MMS tell it to you straight and raw.

The site from what i’ve seen hasn’t been updated in years, but the saying goes if it ain’t broke don’t fix it… Although something fresh would be nice once in awhile . In the site aside from reviews are forums where members can join bands or look for musicians, buy/sell equipment, give advice on direction and the industry and many more. When you have 10 000 members at your finger tips you’ll find what you are looking for.

The music in Montreal goes beyond the likes of a “Simple Plan”, the MMS is out there to bring the best of the locals to your front door so you can be the judge of what Montreal Music is all about. And my friends, by visiting the site every so often I can tell you the variety of talent in Montreal is enormous and I’m grateful that the MMS is there to capture every moment.

http://www.montrealmusicscene.com

Written by,
CAS Admin

Photo from Time Out Chicago

Montreal’s STARS took center stage late last month at Montreal’s Metropolis and i was lucky enough to catch the performance. Not knowing who they were a friend of mine sent me their myspace page and with an open mind i decided to listen… What can I say these guys were impressive to say the least. That being said i made a last minute decision to dish out the $27 and  attend the the venue. Stuck at the side of the stage in a standing only area of the floor the crowd was amazing. Ths STARS music touched all age groups from late teens to mid 40’s from what i could see and there was hardly any room left in the hall…

I was never one to be a huge fan of over melodramatic tech-no pop beat music, but i have to say the STARS was an exception. They reminded me of the old New Order with more passion which I had loved so much. The contrast between Chris and Amy’s voices were beautiful and the melodies they strung together great. They threw roses to the crowd throughout the night and the crowd could not get enough. The fans knew all the lyrics and sang along when necessary. With beat and type of music i thought the crowd would be dancing more but never the less you can tell the crowd enjoyed every moment.

Needless to say it is really inspiring to see a Montreal band living their dream touring the world doing what they love best. In conclusion all I have to say is if you don’t know the STARS give them a chance, I did and now I’m hooked.

Written by,
CAS Admin

Photo by Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

A few days ago I had the absolute pleasure of watching a Canadian icon perform on stage at Montreal’s Bell Center. No, no… I’m not talking about Bryan Adams, Celine Dion or The Bare Naked Ladies for that matter. I am talking about an artist a step above everyone else, the icon I’m referring to is without a doubt, Neil Young.

As the lights went down after opening act Wilco, Neil stepped out on stage… never dressing up for the moment, always seeming to dress down. Wearing what seemed to be an old paint splattered sports jacket and his hair brushed back he came out and gave what only a legendary performer can give. An absolute legendary preformance from the heart. It’s not about glits and glamour with Young. He’s RAW. His music is RAW, his playing is RAW and no one else can pull off a “RAWER” performance than himself.

Am I a fan of Neil, you bet…Do I love his music, you’re damn right I do,  am i blowing smoke up his a**? Absolutely not… What sets Neil apart from every other artist is his drive to change the world with his music and for that alone; EVERYONE should admire. He’s not here to sing pop songs, he’s here to sing messages of peace, love and prosperity. He’s telling you a story of the innocence lost in all of us. He’s sending us a message of hope. If only most people can tell the difference between beautifully written poetry and poorly stringed lyrics that make no sense; perhaps this world would be a better place. It’s been his life’s work to create change through music and even though many of us listen to Neil, unfortunately not enough of us are willing to follow his message. Well for us music and peace lovers, let’s help Neil out by spreading his message of hope so he doesn’t have to do it alone.

Thank You Neil for a wonderful performance and we all hope to see you back in town real soon!
By the way “Keep on Rock’in in the Free World”.

Written by,
CAS Admin

http://www.neilyoung.com/