MARTINE BELANGER
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
The clothing and accessories are so authentic most observers easily personalize and relate to the sculpture without the presence of a literal human form. For some, these stone characters with clothing but without bodies at first can seem somewhat unusual but also remarkably familiar. Martine wishes to challenge observers of her work to question societal ideas and generalizations about body image. Without identifiable human characteristics, she offers the viewer limitless interpretations and emotional connections. Stone in its natural state is estranged to fluidity, softness and intricate details. Thereby the medium itself summons the viewer to ponder this artist’s vision, skill set and physical strength to transform a simple hunk of rock into a compelling work of art.
To her credit, Bélanger was selected by curator Bénédicte Lécat to be part of a delegation of painters and sculptors to represent the province of Québec at the prestigious Salon de la Nationale des Beaux-Arts au Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France. Other participating countries included artists from Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United States. Bélanger said it was especially rewarding to meet artists from the international community. This annual exhibition, established in 1862, is juried by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SBNA), whose past presidents have included Ernest Meissonier, Jules Dalou, Puvis de Chavannes and Auguste Rodin. It was a great honour for Belanger to be invited to this juried show which has played host to many of the world’s most famous and legendary painters and sculptors, including Eugène Dela- croix, Gustave Doré, Edouard Manet, and Auguste Rodin.
— Heather Roy, Founder/Gallery Director
To her credit, Bélanger was selected by curator Bénédicte Lécat to be part of a delegation of painters and sculptors to represent the province of Québec at the prestigious Salon de la Nationale des Beaux-Arts au Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France. Other participating countries included artists from Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United States. Bélanger said it was especially rewarding to meet artists from the international community. This annual exhibition, established in 1862, is juried by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SBNA), whose past presidents have included Ernest Meissonier, Jules Dalou, Puvis de Chavannes and Auguste Rodin. It was a great honour for Belanger to be invited to this juried show which has played host to many of the world’s most famous and legendary painters and sculptors, including Eugène Dela- croix, Gustave Doré, Edouard Manet, and Auguste Rodin.
— Heather Roy, Founder/Gallery Director
Known for her contemporary figurative sculptures, which suggest fashions as an identity, in granite or marble.
Note: Three additional sculptures will be viewable online soon!
Education:
1993-1999 Modeling Workshops, Sherbrooke, Coaticook, QC
1993 Certificate of Visual Arts, University of Sherbrooke, QC
1986 B.Ed. Visual Arts University of Sherbrooke, QC
Note: Three additional sculptures will be viewable online soon!
Education:
1993-1999 Modeling Workshops, Sherbrooke, Coaticook, QC
1993 Certificate of Visual Arts, University of Sherbrooke, QC
1986 B.Ed. Visual Arts University of Sherbrooke, QC
