Bronwyn Averett

This year for my (redacted)th birthday, B treated us to this gorgeous show.

As a not-from-Quebec-er I am not so familiar with the work of Jean-Paul Riopelle, but this was an inspiring opportunity to learn more.

Created by the 7 Doigts de la main collective — known for their continual succession of innovative productions, this show tells the story of Jean-Paul Riopelle, his life and work, through cirque-style choreography, multimedia content, music and narration.

Riopelle’s work was well represented, with pieces from across the artist’s career projected in content. They stood well on their own (particularly has a strong set piece that supported lush performances) but some works also incorporated motion design (à la Van Gogh immersive thingies…)

This group of artists collaborated beautifully together, serving often as a kind of “chorus” while giving stand-out solo performances in their various disciplines.

I wanted to mention one highlight because I have to admit it was a bit easy to miss. (I noticed it because this is exactly the kind of thing we’d do at work…) One of the performances employed movement tracking to “paint” the screen, while a performer spun and twisted through a break-dance-ish choreography. It was a really lovely concept with the dancer stepping in through a frame, as though diving into the creative process — as though we as the audience were getting a glimpse of the visceral feeling of painting, come to life.

The show easily navigated the painter’s continual shift between the natural landscapes of his native Canada, and the lively urban landscape of Paris. The narrative also highlighted the painter’s time in the Far North among Inuit communities.

An emotionally-driven and poetic spectacle, Riopelle grandeur nature was well worth a trip to the 7 doigts studios / performance space, particularly with the added bonus of several original Riopelle pieces in the lobby to enjoy before and after the show.