3 April 2024

13:30 – 14:15

Amphi 2

Denys Tremblay

Considered one of the first thinkers of peripheralism, he invented the really-made. What better way to introduce this quantum-energy artist, who, as you will no doubt see, is not yet dead, than with an extract from his imminent “obituary”. “…Also saddened by his departure are his friends, whom he neglected too much… and all the supporters or collaborators of his artistic, academic and social interventions. We should mention the 1980 International Symposium of Environmental Sculpture in Chicoutimi, considered “the founding element of regional art”, the astonishing rescue of the Maison Arthur Villeneuve and its integration into the Pulperie, the hitherto inconceivable theory-practice fusion of his doctorate-work of art in 1989, his equally incredible ceremonial actions as Illustre Inconnu (1983-1997) and his unique reign as King of L’Anse-Saint-Jean (1997-2000), his multi-faceted contribution to the academic transformation of UQAC’s NAD school in Montreal, his creative teaching and community service that have earned him the title of Professor Emeritus, and his ongoing advocacy of causes, organizations, individuals and artists in his homeland, the fabulous Kingdom of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. ” . Photo credit: Nicolas Lévesque

Can the energy of art make us “other”?

The talk recounts the concrete role played by art in the surprising economic survival of the village of L’Anse-Saint-Jean. A look back at the Saint-jean-du-Millénaire project, conceived in 1992 to revitalize the village and its ski resort. This huge plant fresco represented Saint-Jean-Baptiste and his hand pointing towards the next millennium. The project involved a kilometer of selective planting with species evoking features, shadows and light in colors that change with the seasons. To finance this project, despite the 1996 deluge which destroyed or damaged a third of its homes, the Anjou community did not hesitate to adopt a veritable municipal monarchy by referendum in January 1997. This artistic and constitutional feat not only transformed a fictitious character, the Illustre Inconnu, into a true municipal King, but also led to a number of innovations, all backed by official bodies (crown jewels, municipal currency, titles of nobility, etc.). It’s clear that art can “energize” a community in other ways.