October 16, 2002 – The Chronicle, Montreal’s West Island community newspaper

Local artists try to inspire hope post 9/11

BY BARBARA LAVOIE

The first anniversary of the events of 9/11 (September 11, 2001) has passed. In its wake, comes hope and inspiration through the work of local artists who were invited by the Galerie de la Ville’s curator, the public art gallery tucked in the basement of Dollard Cultural Centre, to reflect on the theme of reinterpretation for its annual art exhibition.

"Since September 11, we've all started to re-evaluate the things we once took for granted," explained Claudine Ascher, artist and curator-director of the Galerie since 1988.

The art exhibition, Old Tales, New Takes, which began in early September, displays the work of 16 artists who created visual interpretations on the changes brought to all our lives as a result of last year's tragic events.

"In the gallery, I try to show art work that reflects the artist, not necessarily the marketplace," added Ascher.

Artists in the exhibition interpreted the theme using a variety of artistic mediums and techniques - oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastel, etching, fibre, embroidery, collage and stone sculpture. One exhibit using mixed media includes old photographs and letters.

The artwork of Susan Fowler, 60, a Dorval artist whose 6X6 wood and metal sculpture is illustrated on the cover of the exhibition pamphlet, offers both a public and personal reflection on tragedy. "We can`t think about it (9/11) constantly, but everything is informed by it, either consciously or unconsciously," stated Fowler. "I lost all the older generation in my family during the last five years. This was the first piece since my father died in 2000."

Fowler added, "For me, the piece means a new beginning, a whole new world. One where we don`t know where it is going."

Her exhibit, "Untitled," is one in a series of pieces she has named, Fenceworks. All are made from a discarded snow fence she recovered from the trash of a Dorval neighbour.

The art exhibit runs until Sunday, October 6 and includes the work of Stewart Fletcher, Loretta Fasan and Patricia Srigley, all West Island residents.

Galerie de la Ville is open Tuesday to Friday from 2 to 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm. For further information or to arrange a free tour of the exhibition for a group of six or more people, call 684-1012 ext. 298.