Heart and Soul – Quebec Folk Art
Tribute to
NETTIE COVEY SHARPE
Nettie Covey Sharpe left her fine collection of Quebec folk art and Canadiana to the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
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Absolute Freedom

Modern society implies urbanization and individualism, and today's folk artists often create works featuring new forms and inspirations, free of any constraints. This brand of folk art represents a break with tradition.

In this case, creativity is expressed in ways that are emotional, unruly and as individual as the artists themselves. Such works often return to the very foundations of art. Simple forms define the subject. The colour palette is highly personal, even unsettling. It is hard to remain indifferent to art such as this.

Sometimes appreciated, often derided and frequently misunderstood, unconventional artists follow their own paths at their own pace, pursuing a singular vision.

Gallery
  • Absolute Freedom - S84-7381
    Georges Bédard's paintings are made with a sand mud, as well as stones, shells, glue and acrylic paint. Bédard did not consider himself a painter, however. "I can no more call myself a painter than I could say that paint alone creates a road," he said. "It's only a dream!"
    Jean-François Blanchette
    CMCC S84-7381

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  • Absolute Freedom - S84-7446
    Georges Bédard at home in his basement studio.
    Jean-François Blanchette
    CMCC S84-7446
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  • Absolute Freedom - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.5
    A professional welder created this unique mailbox, found on a road running between Scott and Saint-Bernard in the Beauce region.
    Jean-François Blanchette, 2004
    CMCC Archives
    2009-H0015.1.2.2.5
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  • Absolute Freedom - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.6
    This mailbox, seen on a road between Scott and Saint-Bernard in the Beauce regin, features a modern theme created in a non-traditional welding style.
    Jean-François Blanchette, 2004
    CMCC Archives
    2009-H0015.1.2.2.6
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  • Graffiti - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.7
    Graffiti
    "Rest in Peace EMOND from Chris August 31, 2003"
    Deschênes Rapids, Aylmer, Ottawa River Valley
    Acrylic paint on boulder

    Although graffiti is not socially acceptable, it is hard to remain indifferent to the poignancy of the loss expressed here.
    Jean-François Blanchette
    CMCC Archives
    2009-H0015.1.2.2.7
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  • Graffiti - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.8
    Graffiti
    "We Are Watching You"
    Saguenay, Chicoutimi area Ca. 2000
    Spray paint on concrete wall

    This graffiti is an expression of the confrontation between the graffiti artist and society.
    Jean-François Blanchette
    CMCC Archives
    2009-H0015.1.2.2.8
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  • Absolute Freedom - S81-2860
    Some artists dread open space, as can be seen in the way George Racicot has laid out his yard in Calumet. In this case, the ritual of claiming territory, rather than being a single act, is repeated every time a new work is installed.
    Jean-François Blanchette, 1980
    CMCC S81-2860
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  • Absolute Freedom - S84-7381
  • Absolute Freedom - S84-7446
  • Absolute Freedom - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.5
  • Absolute Freedom - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.6
  • Graffiti - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.7
  • Graffiti - 2009-H0015.1.2.2.8
  • Absolute Freedom - S81-2860