Carte Blanche to Aurélie Blanchette Dubois: A Musical Brunch

The Skol Art Center invites you to Carte Blanche to Aurélie Blanchette Dubois, a musical brunch to be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with free admission. This event will feature an encounter between the worlds of artist Aurélie Blanchette Dubois and author Laurie Bédard, highlighted by music, projections, and a discussion about their artistic approaches.

An Artistic Dialogue to the Sound of A Whiter Shade of Pale

The song A Whiter Shade of Pale by the British band Procol Harum, released in 1967, has become an icon of its era, ranking among the most covered pieces in the history of pop-rock music. Its mysterious and melancholic atmosphere, carried by Bach-inspired chords, gives it a classical depth rarely associated with a pop song. Keith Reid’s enigmatic lyrics evoke themes of lost love and disillusionment, while allowing for personal interpretation.

This song, with its poetic verses and paradoxical treatment of nostalgia and illusion, has deeply inspired artist Aurélie Blanchette Dubois in creating her textile work A Moistest Shade of Thou, showcased in the group exhibition Réelles Fictions. To delve deeper into her connection with this emblematic piece and reveal her creative process, Blanchette Dubois invites author and poet Laurie Bédard to join her for a special event. Bédard, who collaborated with the artist on her solo exhibition Laisse-le comblé at Arprim, will present a reading of her poems. Together, they will discuss recurring themes in their artistic practices, such as the significance of night, fiction, lost loves, and disillusionment.

For this special occasion, the public is invited to SKOL for a musical brunch, set to covers of A Whiter Shade of Pale, followed by the screening of a short film by Blanchette Dubois. Laurie Bédard’s poetry readings and a discussion about these shared inspirations will enrich this immersive experience.