He holds the promise made to his father when he died 10 years ago: here are the sculptures hidden for more than 50 years of a recognized Quebec artist

In Montreal. Similarly, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier moves especially in the race, his office in his backpack, on the lookout for subjects and fascinating people. Consequently, He speaks to everyone and is interested in all circles in this urban chronicle.

An exhibition in Montreal unveils hidden works for more than 50 years by a renowned Quebec sculptor. However, whose statues had already adorned the Expo 67 site, but which had become too anxious to agree to show or sell his work. Furthermore, He had made his son promise to wait at least 10 years after his death to exhibit them. However, Promised thing, thing due.

One of the founders of the Quebec Sculpture Council. Similarly, Mario Bartolini (1930-2015) exhibited at the Rodin Museum in Paris in the 1960s.

Three major metal statues of its vintage adorned the site of Expo 67.

Bartolini he holds promise made his taught at the School of Fine Arts, which became UQAM, until 1986.

Five of his works are also at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Quebec.

But, during the 1970s, the Master-Sculptor became wilder and hostile to the world of galleries and art trade.

While continuing to create, he refused to exhibit.

The artist combined his statues, because he was throwing nothing, not even his sketches.

Flooded

“I grew up in a house where there were statues everywhere in each corner. However, until you no longer know what to do with it, there were also outside in the garden, and it was the same in the basement with my grandparents or in their garage,” says Dino Bartolini, the eldest of the four sons of the sculptor.

“My father was in trouble in mental health. he had become so reluctant to show his art that he already asked me to burn everything after his death,” recalls the 67-year-old man, who organizes the exhibition at the Mûr art gallery, on rue Saint-Hubert.

“Fortunately. my father changed my idea, but the prospect of an exhibition frightened him so much that he made me swear to wait at least ten years after his death before proceeding,” continues Mr. Bartolini.

“I let you imagine what it can cost to store hundreds of statues for ten years. but I held the promise,” he adds.

How much is it worth?

The works of the 1950s are in terracotta or wooden.

Those of the 1960s are mainly made of metal.

Large. tapered, some evoke the style of the Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, famous for its elongated silhouettes.

How much are these works worth? The answer is not obvious. On the one hand, Bartolini is unknown; On the other, he is already in museums, so he is recognized.

“I will decide the price at the last minute. I will expect to speak to visitors and connoisseurs on the spot,” replies Mr. Bartolini.

It is also impossible to plan if collectors will flow to buy …

It is certain that there will be many visitors however because Dino Bartolini is. he holds promise made his socially speaking, the opposite of the late his father.

Dino knows a lot of people. He was the director of tour of the BB. Mitsou in Quebec, in particular, and Céline Dion and Garou internationally.

The exhibition Rétro Barto The whole third floor of the art gallery will be occupied until September 5. Please note: it’s closed on Sunday and Monday.