The name QUAB is a meld of the words Quebec and Alberta. The concept behind this is to expose artists from the 2 provinces, and in the future, to expand the gallery to Quebec so artists from Calgary can be exposed there too. The gallery to has a collection of diverse pieces that compliment one another, creating a great flow that is needed in a gallery setting. QUAB is about promoting their artists’ vision, rather than dictating to them what pieces they need to create. Bruce W., one of the owners, comments that they want “edgy artists that have something to say, that not everyone else is saying.” This is perfect for a growing city like Calgary, since I feel we are all tired of seeing prairie landscapes and still life’s of fruit bowls! Art is about stirring things up and creating some controversy!
Running since May 22nd through until June 26th, QUAB Galleries is putting on their Pride Showcase and Group Exhibit in concurrence to Calgary’s Pride Month. This exhibit presents an array of local and national artists, displaying works of a homoerotic nature. Featured works are by artists Yvon Goulet, Grant Cunningham, Simon Bournival, Jaret Quinn, Jerome Prier, Martin Douvil, and Mycael Maier – each of whom brings something unique to the gallery.
Local artist, Mycael Maiers’ pieces are rich colored nudes on black backgrounds. Playing with light and shadows, he creates rich and highly detailed forms. The fluidity and movement in his work is amazing!
Artist Yvon Goulet uses a very intriguing canvas for his work: political signage found in the gay village in Montreal. He depicts sophisticated business men in suits and younger men in tank tops and trucker hats. All of his pieces expose a bit of the background signage, incorporating it into the foreground image. His work is simple, but hits political, personal, and sub-cultural levels all at the same time. A definite must see!
Martin Douvils’ work is technically perfect! His attention to detail is magnificent – I was in awe when I saw his work. One that definitely stuck out was “heraut (hero)”, showing a man carrying his lover over his shoulder. The piece has an incredible presence! His work is diverse and deals with a lot of views from sexuality, power, power-transfer and transgressive sexuality.
QUAB Galleries is located on the second floor of the Art Central building on Centre Street and 7th Avenue Southwest, and is one of the few places where we can see work by local and national gay artists, as well as other work that isn’t necessarily overtly “gay”. If homoerotic art is not your thing, I am sure you will find something that will catch your eye, from the large life-sized sculptures of people and children to unique ink work done on metal. Prices range from the low hundreds to the high thousands, so it’s the perfect place to start your collection if you are an amateur, or make a great addition to your existing collection!
QUAB Galleries Inc.
212, 100 7th Ave SW
Calgary, AB
T2P 0W4
(403) 261-2855
www.quab.ca
Pride Showcase and Group Exhibit
May 22nd to June 26th
Opening June 2nd from 6:00pm – 10:00pm
More art work on the next page...
