Cynthia Girard-Renard
Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) Residency
2024
Cynthia Girard-Renard has been developing a multilayered work where political activism, identity issues and animal imaginary come together through a broad range of techniques. Hers is an experimental and theatrical approach to the exhibition context, such as large format paintings, banners, scenic backdrops, costumes and accessories, mobiles, sound sculptures, support structures, performance, and so on.
By defying the traditional categories of artistic mediums, Girard-Renard deconstructs hierarchies of styles. Her repertoire draws as much from the visual language of art history—from monochromes to Art Brut by way of Minimalism and Surrealism—as it does from modes of expression belonging to popular culture or the so-called “minor arts”—such as comics, children’s book illustrations, folk tales, decorative arts, feminine crafts, burlesque theatre, and satirical cartoons. Girard-Renard’s works therefore create often highly colourful hybrid spaces where distant realities are now juxtaposed, even interpenetrated, thus generating a viewing experience of perceptual and conceptual vertigo.
Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)
In 2008-2009, in partnership with Québec's Ministry of Culture and Communications and the Ministry of International Relations and the Francophonie, and on the recommendation of Arts Council England, Conseil des arts et des lettres (CALQ) approached Acme to establish the Québec Studio in London, thereby expanding the network of residencies offered abroad to Québec artists and writers. The residency provides two six month long residencies per year in Bow, E3 for artists who have at least 10 years' experience of professional practice. Applications and selection are undertaken directly by CALQ.
For more information visit calq.gouv.qc.ca
