Modeled on Venice’s landmark contemporary art happening, the Biennale, is a concept that’s slowly being adopted by cities across the globe. Montreal is in the midst of its second (it runs from May 1 – 31), and while the local edition doesn’t have the stature of its well established counterparts, some of the talent on display is as good as anything those cocky Venetians have ever seen.
Those partial to audience participation will dig Read+Write, an interactive installation created by digital arts engineer Mathieu Bouchard and multidisciplinary artist Alexandre Castonguay. Using a drawing machine-cum-software interface, you can engrave text, imagery and sound in a wall. How does one “engrave” sound, you may ask? Through the magic of modern art. Daily, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ecole Bourget, 1230 de la Montagne St., $5.
Soundscapes is a multifaceted project that began with Rick Leong’s painting “Dancing Serpent in Dawn’s Quiet” (above). It influenced a composition by David Ryshpan that was subsequently remixed by a slew of producers. Hear the results here, or in person, played by a DJ, later this month. Concert, Saturday, May 23, 10 p.m., La Sala Rossa, 4848 St. Laurent Blvd.; Leong’s work: Daily, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ecole Bourget, 1230 de la Montagne St., $5.
Aiming to “transfuse the city with positive energy,” the Good Conspiracy involves sending “messages of hope” – via SMS, e-mail or voicemail – and exchanging “tickets” stocked at businesses on St. Laurent Blvd., between Sherbrooke St. and Mont-Royal Ave. Go to the Good Conspiracy website to see a map of Montreal in love.
Image courtesy of Parisian Laundry
