« Fernand Nault : une passion, un legs » Exhibit

Curator André Laprise's visual arts exhibition pays tribute to the work of a major dance artist, choreographer Fernand Nault, and to the work of his great collaborator, costume designer François Barbeau.

Inspired by the costumes created by François Barbeau for Fernand Nault's ballets, painter Chris Klein, sculptor Joanne Migneault (Migno) and model maker Jeanne Méthé take a fresh look at the creations of the choreographer and costume designer.

Jeanne Méthé is responsible for presenting François Barbeau's costumes.

Dominique Laurent is artistic director of the exhibition.

This exhibition was conceived as part of the "Faire danser le patrimoine" programme. André Laprise would like to thank the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec for its financial support.

About Fernand Nault

Fernand Nault began his career in the United States before returning to Quebec. He had a brilliant career as a choreographer and artistic director with Les Grands Ballets canadiens in Montreal and, in the United States, especially in Louisville, Kentucky and Denver, Colorado.

Many of his works have been acquired and produced in the United States, Asia and Europe. Fernand Nault's work is unquestionably an important and inescapable part of Quebec and Canadian choreographic heritage.

The first Canadian choreographer to ensure his artistic succession during his lifetime, Fernand Nault would have been 100 years old in 2020. This unique occasion has brought together unprecedented means to share and bring to life in new ways the important heritage he left us.

Inspired by this anniversary, the Fonds chorégraphique Fernand Nault is presenting "Faire danser le patrimoine", an original and much-needed enhancement initiative that has continued ever since, bringing together numerous collaborators from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, reflecting the omnipresence of artistic expression in our society.

About the curator

André Laprise has had a varied career in Quebec's artistic and cultural community. A tireless and passionate worker, he has long been and remains committed to the advancement and recognition of his discipline in our community.

Through dance training and the production of dance shows, in both amateur and professional circles, André Laprise's actions are tirelessly driven by the importance and great value of artistic expression in all its aspects.

André Laprise is the driving force behind Fernand Nault, the choreographer emeritus, being the first in Quebec and Canada to secure his artistic legacy in dance and to create the appropriate legal mechanism.

Most recently, in 2022, André Laprise was awarded the Ordre de Gatineau and the Prix du CALQ - Artiste de l'année en Outaouais, in recognition of his impressive achievements in his community and his influence in his discipline.

We invite you all to the exhibition vernissage on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the agora of Maison du citoyen, located at 25 rue Laurier in Gatineau.

Admission is free.

Image : Chris Klein, Floret silva nobilis, 2021, Acrylique sur toile, 42 x 70 po