Michel Villeneuve
Born on February 17, 1949 in Chicoutimi, son of the famous barber-painter Arthur Villeneuve (1910–1990).
After completing trade school, worked in various jobs, including operating bridge cranes at Alcan factories in Arvida and Latterière, from 1973 to 1996.
Gave up art entirely after trying in 1976 to paint in a style similar to that of his father — who reproached him for simply copying.
In 1997, seven years after his father's death, rediscovered his talent while doodling on a paper napkin in a restaurant, and found the activity liberating.
Through his work, he aims to perpetuate something he calls "the Villeneuve legacy," which is his way of honouring his father and preserving the family talent.
Video of Michel Villeneuve
My Father, Arthur Villeneuve
“My father painted on canvas. At one point, I said to myself, 'I'm going to buy some tubes of paint, and do what my father does.' My father came to the second floor, looked at my paintings, and said, 'Michel, you're copying me. Try to create something of your own.' So I stopped creating anything at all!”
Discovering My Talent
“When I was 47, seven years after my father's death, I was sitting in a restaurant. I took out a pencil to doodle on a paper napkin. At some point, I realized that I was drawing some bizarre things. By unfolding the napkin I could make two drawings, sometimes four. I began to think that maybe I had some artistic talent after all.”
When I Draw
“What inspires me? I start by filling the middle of my paper, without really knowing where I'm going with it. I put on some music and make my pencil dance. Everyone is capable of doing that. It's a matter of releasing your innate talent. I'm a guy who pursues a goal, and I know I'll reach it. I'm a guy . . . how can I put this . . . who's pretty extravagant in everything.”
A Path to Follow
“My goal? The continuation of the Villeneuve legacy. I want to honour my father. Wherever I go, people will say, 'He's Mr. Villeneuve's son.' They won't say I'm Arthur's son, but rather the son of Mr. Villeneuve.”
Michel Villeneuve
Gallery of Michel Villeneuve
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Michel Villeneuve teaches a drawing class at a Saguenay school, 2007.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.2
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Michel Villeneuve and his twin sister Micheline, on February 17, 1953. They were three years old.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.3
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Michel Villeneuve and his twin sister Micheline, in 1965.
Ellefsen, Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.4
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Michel Villeneuve around 1964 with hair styled by Figaro Ortéga, whose salon was located at the corner of Dorchester Boulevard (now Boulevard René- Lévesque), facing the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.5
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The young Michel Villeneuve, age eighteen, welcoming his father Arthur to Manic 5 (the dam, Manicouagan 5), where he worked in 1968. Arthur, the already-famous barber-painter, made a sketch here for a painting which he would produce the following year.
Jacques Boily, Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.6
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Michel Villeneuve around 1984.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.7
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The famous Arthur Villeneuve, Michel’s father, 1979.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.8
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Arthur Villeneuve in front of a fresco he painted inside the family home, 1979.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.9
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Michel Villeneuve
Jean-François Blanchette, 2006
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.10
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When Michel’s father Arthur saw this painting, which Michel had just produced, Arthur told him, “You’re copying me.” Michel stopped painting. It was 1976. Collection of the Artist
Jean-François Blanchette
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.11
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Michel Villeneuve with his grandchildren.
Photo from Michel Villeneuve’s collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.12
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Untitled2002
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.37
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0027-Dm
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Games2005
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.34
Marie-Louise Deruaz
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0033-Dm
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Untitled2000
Ink on cardboard
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0034-Dm
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Wilderness2006
Ink on cardboard
Marie-Louise Deruaz
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0040-Dm
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UntitledInk on small piece of cardboard
2006
Private Collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.17
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UntitledInk on small piece of cardboard
2007
Private Collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.18
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Untitled (Detail)Ink on large piece of cardboard
2005
Private Collection
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.19
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Untitled (Detail)Ink on large piece of cardboard
2006
Private Collection
Jean-François Blanchette
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.20
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Untitled (Detail)Ink on large piece of cardboard
2006
Private Collection
Jean-François Blanchette
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.21
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Untitled (Detail)Ink on large piece of cardboard
2006
Private Collection
Jean-François Blanchette
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.22
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Untitled (Detail)Ink on large piece of cardboard
2006
Private Collection
Jean-François Blanchette
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.23
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Untitled (Detail)Ink on large piece of cardboard
2006
Private Collection
Jean-François Blanchette
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.24
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Black Clown1997
Ink on paper napkin
CMCC 2005.150.1
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0049-Dm
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Untitled 1997
Ink on paper napkin
CMCC 2005.150.36
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0050-Dm
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Untitled 1997–1998
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.9
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0028-Dm
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Untitled 1997–1998
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.10
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0029-Dm
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Untitled1997–1998
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.18
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0030-Dm
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Untitled 1997–1998
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.24
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0031-Dm
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Untitled 1997–1998
Ink on cardboard
CMCC 2005.150.25
Steven Darby
CMCC IMG2008-0080-0032-Dm
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Michel Villeneuve at work.
Jean-François Blanchette, 2006
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.32
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Michel Villeneuve at work.
Jean-François Blanchette, 2006
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.32
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Michel Villeneuve at work.
Jean-François Blanchette, 2007
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.33
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Michel Villeneuve at work.
Jean-François Blanchette, 2007
CMCC Archives
2009-H0015.1.3.7.34
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