No, this exhibition will not simply be a display of objects. It will indeed count a variety of paintings, sculptures, drawings… but the whole is greater than the sum of these artworks. It is also more than an installation. And it is not a performance per se. This exhibition could rather be defined as a meeting place between the artist and the public, with art serving as a frame. A way for visitors to be touched by the works, but also by the creative process. Massimo Guerrera’s practice takes into account the intangible aspects of encounters between individuals, in this case between himself and the community. For several years, Guerrera has been working towards defining art as a tool for social interaction; his sessions with the public nourish his approach, and are being repeatedly referred to in his paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Thus the public will be invited to meet the artist, to share conversations with him, and even to partake in his creative process.
Throughout his exhibition, Being Touched, artist Massimo Guerrera will be taking private appointments with the public. These appointments may consist of: a meeting with the artist, a tour of the exhibition, a meditation session, tea-time, or assisting the artist with unpacking remaining pieces for the exhibition.
Curated by Nicolas Mavrikakis
Massimo Guerrera has been working on the relationship between art and life for over twenty years. He calls upon the state of mind in which individuals perform their daily activities. The famous words of French artist Robert Filiou, “Art is what makes life more interesting than art”, fit him like a glove. His work was included in performance events and contemporary art exhibitions alike. It was shown in Britain during the Liverpool Biennial (Tactfuls Rituals, 2010), at the CAPC in Bordeaux, France, in Seattle, in Bologna, in Vancouver and Montreal… His artistic practice was notably discussed in the renowned contemporary art magazine Parachute. Massimo Guerrera is represented in Montreal, Quebec by Joyce Yahouda Gallery.
If you are interested in an appointment, please contact meetmassimo@gmail.com.
On View
September 7-November 9
Location
The Main Gallery
51 Bergen St.
Opening Reception
Saturday, September 7
6-10pm