A sequence of Renaissance-inspired portraits of neo-rural characters by Montréal-born artist Émile Brunet. Brunet employs the codes of Western Renaissance and Medieval artwork to re-present standard tradition and our modern situation. An examination of self-representation via time, Brunet explores classical types of figuration, making use of a timeless but paradoxical type of symbolism. In “Are They Peasant,” Brunet’s figures are much less resemblant of agrarian employees toiling within the countryside than of younger professionals with distant jobs, taking over rural duties of their spare time. Hobbyists, not not like the Aristocracy performing pastoral fantasies in Rococo work.
Brunet himself relocated from Montréal to a small city on the US-Canada border through the pandemic the place he started exploring conventional practices resembling mixing herbs, producing cosmetics, cleaning soap, wine, and cider. He even labored for a small artwork supplies producer whose oil paint he nonetheless makes use of completely. Whereas Brunet’s sitters are imaginary, he attracts inspiration from individuals in his personal village—locals and transplants from either side of the border.
“Are They Peasant” is on show at Plato gallery till March seventh.
