Switzerland CS

Let Granola Pony trot into your mouth

2009-11-06T08:48:00.008-05:00

Granola Pony is a new raw food and dessert catering / takeout business out of St. Henri that creates culinary concoctions that are as visually stunning as they are mouth watering. Janis Dean, the company's sole proprietor, is a welcome addition to Montreal who's undoubtedly going to leave a mark on this city thanks to her unbelievable creations.

If you attended RAGE5's exhibition opening at The Emporium Gallery, you likely marveled at the deserts she provided and, if you sampled them at the exhibition, you were probably as blown away as we were. Dean's desserts are incredible.

We can't encourage you enough to support Granola Pony- your mouth will thank you! To learn more about Granola Pony, visit its website here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

RAGE5's PURGATORY (or some place like it) exhibition opens at The Emporium Gallery 05.11.09

2009-11-04T11:53:00.004-05:00

RAGE5's PURGATORY (or some place like it) exhibition opens at The Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest) on Thursday, November 5th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open Saturday, November 7th - Sunday, November 8th. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, November 9th to Wednesday, November 11th.

About PURGATORY (or some place like it)
Appropriating religious iconography in order to develop an aesthetic that takes cues its from the uncanny and the metaphysical, PURGATORY (or some place like it) is an exhibition that exemplifies the state of limbo and unease that RAGE5, a Montreal-based street artist, feels as he increasingly operates within a gallery environment. Bold and immersive, About PURGATORY (or some place like it) is as much a stunning visual statement as it is an insight into a state of mind. .

Artist Statement
"Having made a name for myself as a graffiti artist, I now find myself experiencing a rite of passage as I attempt my way into the gallery scene. While keeping a foot firmly set in the urban landscape with my street art, I am now experiencing a state of limbo which PURGATORY (or someplace like it) refers to. The religious imagery and symbols adopted in this new work metaphorically portray my inhibitions, fears, hopes and desires as I now transition from a seemingly unregulated world to an organized system. This new series of work illustrates my limited yet growing understanding of the constructs that make up the art milieu vs. my anarchic approach to street art." - RAGE5

About RAGE5
RAGE5 is a Montreal-based multi-discinplinary artist. Having studied visual arts at Dawson College and film at Concordia University, RAGE5 is an avid graffiti writer, painter, illustrator, photographer and filmmaker- which explains why his creative outputs can be found in the streets, galleries and cinemas. His iconic posters and stickers can be found throughout the urban landscapes of Montreal, Baja Mexico and Tokyo. He has previously participated in numerous group exhibitions (such as En Masse) and art festivals (having participated in Under Pressure on four different occasions) and, his new film is set to be released very shortly. RAGE5 is undeniably prolific, expressive and a genuine contributor to Montreal's arts scene

This exhibition is presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier. It's our last exhibition of the season so come on out! Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

New Dave Arnold portfolio website

2009-11-04T00:01:00.006-05:00

Dave Arnold, one of the co-founders of The Emporium Gallery, has launched a new portfolio website. Switzerland handled the design, development and communications for the site. Check it out here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Switzerland does some post-production work on Polite Company's 'Inveigh' video for The Bronx

2009-10-09T15:09:00.008-04:00

We recently had the opportunity to 'grade' Polite Company's 'Inveigh' video for The Bronx. We're huge fans of the band so it was a real privilege to contribute to this project. You can see the video below;

THE BRONX - INVEIGH from Jamie-James Medina on Vimeo.

If you don't know The Bronx, do yourself a favor and check them out here.You'll thank us, Ben Pobjoy

Seripop launches a new website along with 6 great contests!

2009-10-07T20:22:00.005-04:00

Seripop has launched a new website and, to celebrate this, is running 6 fantastic contests (chock full of amazing prints for you to win). I'm the guest judge responsible for choosing a winner for the 'Artsy Fartsy prize pack' which Seripop says, "Is probably the most valuable in $ amounts". To learn more about the contest click here.

I'd urge you to participate! The photo above is of Seripop's No Henge exhibition that ran at The Emporium Gallery (provided courtesy of Yannick Grandmont). Good luck, Ben Pobjoy

Hatchmatik exhibition opens Thursday, October 8th at The Emporium Gallery

2009-10-07T12:51:00.004-04:00

Hatchmatik's The Apprenticeship of Bobby Swinzilla opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, October 8th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th from 12PM-5PM. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, October 12th to Wednesday, October 14th.

About The Apprenticeship of Bobby Swinzilla
Montreal producer/DJ and visual artist, Hatchmatik makes his long awaited return to the art world with The Apprenticeship of Bobby Swinzilla- a sensory overloading multi-media 'mix tape' installation that takes its cues from his experiences as a renowned, world traveling producer/DJ.

Artist Statement
"Since finishing my BFA, I have been producing music and performing around the world as Hatchmatik. Building on these experiences and taking from the work I was doing as a student (dance video and printmaking), this new exhibition is an amalgamation of my previous visual arts practices, the experiences I've had in the club world and my latest venture collaborating with Jonah Leslie on dance video work- furthering the skavonost esthetics of the OLDgOLD empire.

The exhibition is an immersive environment installation which includes elements of music production, video projection, video sculpture and mild insanity"
-Hatchmatik

Artist Biography
Despite being more widely known for his production and DJ work (he's a member of the Peer Pressure party crew and recently made URB's much lauded 2009 Next 100 list), Montreal-born Hatchmatik (Matt Morein) is in fact an award winning visual artist who has numerously exhibited across Canada. Graduating with a BFA from Concordia in 2004, Hatchmatik has long combined his love of both dance and music with video and printmaking.

A producer, DJ, visual artist and gallery assistant, Hatchmatik is an integral part of, and contributor to, Montreal's unique cultural fabric. You can see Hatchmatik's website here.

This exhibition is presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS, Bierbrier and Art Pop. Hope to see you there, Ben Pobjoy

Dennis Chow's Sinisterly yours, GlamNation opens Thurs., Sept. 24th at The Emporium Gallery

2009-09-23T10:37:00.007-04:00

Dennis Chow's Sinisterly yours, GlamNation opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, September 24th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday September 27th from 12PM-5PM.Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, September 28th to Wednesday, September 30th.

About Sinisterly yours, GlamNation
 Brooklyn-based illustrator Dennis Chow makes his return to The Emporium Gallery with 'Sinisterly yours, GlamNation'- a new exhibition of illustrative works on 'cels' that depict an alternate world of fantasy and rebellion ruled by colourful cartoon villains and loveable anti-heros.   

Artist Statement
 "Sinisterly yours, GlamNation was inspired by my lifetime adoration for cartoons and the magic they posses. The work in this exhibition is my hommage to two simple pleasures from my youth- Saturday morning cartoons and animated intermissions at matinee 'double features'. The exhibition is also a personal look at how I have become everything that has ever inspired me. All the characters and stories that I have ever imagined have taken over and, they have forced me to release them into this waiting world. The outcome is an exhibition that is an alternate utopia where heroes don't exist and bad guys forever rule."
- Dennis Chow

  About Dennis Chow 
Dennis Chow, who works under the GlamNation moniker, has exhibited the world over and been commissioned to illustrate for brands like Nike, Vice, Mishka NYC (and many other street wear companies), bands like The Handsome Furs and Death from Above 1979 (he created the album cover for their final remix album) and publications like the Walrus. He has previously been profiled in Lodown Magazine and Beautiful Decay. You can see Dennis Chow's work here.

This exhibition is presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier. For more information click on the flier above. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Doug Brown's Black on Black opens Thurs, Sept 10th at The Emporium Gallery

2009-09-08T13:37:00.003-04:00

Doug Brown's Black on Black opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, September 10th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday September 13th from 12PM-5PM.Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, September 14th to Wednesday, September 16th.

About Black on Black 
Toronto's Doug Brown returns to The Emporium Gallery to showcase new oversized, mixed media artworks chock full of mythical, folkloric iconography inspired by the existential darkness and malaise associated with the current global recession and, his own trials and tribulations over the past year. Black on Black is bleak, ominous and begs one to consider how much things will worsen before they improve.  

 Artist Statement 
"After my previous exhibition last fall, which was colorful and optimistic, I was creatively exhausted and simultaneously affected by the general grimness surrounding the global financial crisis. There was just something different in the air, a new mood of sorts, where everyone was bummed out- a malaise that was compounded, at least where I live, by the fact that winter which was quickly approaching. Black on Black isn't a statement about, or a criticism of, these grim times. Rather, it's a visual exemplification of a perceived universal sentiment that I and others felt- which, when I got down to working, resulted in menacing 'black monk faces' that stare down at us and challenge us."
- Doug Brown 

 About Doug Brown
 Doug Brown (b. 1977, Canada) is a Toronto-based visual artist. Very much multi-disciplinary with regards to his artworks, Brown is known for his bold, oftentimes oversized stencils, paintings, sculptures and mixed media pieces. Having already exhibited in numerous Canadian cities (such as Vancouver where he was part of the launch event for the paperback version of Beautiful Losers), Brown is continually taking his artworks to the masses- intriguing exhibition attendees with the visual onslaught of his artworks' patterns, characters and tactility. 

This exhibition is presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier. For more information click on the flier above, Ben Pobjoy

The Underdog Club Gallery- MTL’s first-ever animal adoption gallery!

2009-09-08T13:20:00.002-04:00

From September 11-27, 2009, the Underdog Club, an organization spearheaded to help find homes for hard-to-place homeless dogs, is hosting the Underdog Club Gallery (4922 Sherbrooke Street West). The initiative pairs animal adoption (a daily selection of four new dogs will be available for adoption) with fine art portraits of the Underdog Club’s most memorable dogs, photographed by local photographer Jamie Leblanc and available for purchase (all funds will be donated to the participating rescue organizations). It’s a pretty innovative idea for an outstanding cause that further demonstrates Montreal’s inherent creativity.

A vernissage will be held on September 11 from 6-9PM. The Underdog Club Gallery will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:00AM to 7:00PM. For more information click the flier above. Hope to see you there, Ben Pobjoy

SNAP! Magazine Issue #8 Launch this Thursday!

2009-09-01T11:03:00.005-04:00

SNAP!, Montreal's best free arts, culture and lifestyle magazine launches its 8th issue this Thursday at Salon Officiel (351 Roy E.). The event starts at 8PM and will go late. According to the SNAP!, there will be "Free Barefoot wine and Bierbrier beer from 8pm until we're all out!"- which is pretty amazing if you ask me. However, I'm going to pick up an issue which is crucial reading material for metro rides! For more information click on the flier above or visit the SNAP! website here. Support this, Ben Pobjoy

Sebastien Grainger nominated for ECHO songwriting Prize

2009-09-01T10:49:00.006-04:00

We're ecstatic to learn that Sebastien Grainger, one of our very talented friends, has been nominated for the 2009 ECHO Songwriting Prize (which is presented by SOCAN). He was specifically nominated for his song 'Love Can Be So Mean' which appeared on his ST LP. You can hear the song here.

Grainger's one of Canada's best songwriters and is therefore deserving of this prize- so much so that we think you should vote for him. It only takes a few minutes to do right here. Please vote for Sebastien and go see him play when he passes through your town. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Gordon Ball's I am sorry. Sincerely, Frankenstein opens Thursday, August 27th at The Emporium Gallery

2009-08-26T10:40:00.003-04:00

Gordon Ball's I am sorry. Sincerely, Frankenstein opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, August 27th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th from 12PM-5PM. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, August 31st to Wednesday, September 2nd 2009.

About I am sorry. Sincerely, Frankenstein 
'I am sorry. Sincerely, Frankenstein' is a new collection of photographs by Montreal-based photographer, Gordon Ball. Depicting self-destruction in relation to the social order, in both a fantastical and journalistic capacity, 'I am sorry. Sincerely, Frankenstein' is Ball's first solo exhibition in Montreal in over 2 years. 

 Artist Statement
 "In 1994, I started photographing my teenage friends- doing drugs for the first time, stealing booze from their parents, fighting security guards at skate spots, skinny dipping with chicks, experiencing 'first love', etc. However, in recent years I moved away from this candid, personal documentary style of photography as I was increasingly photographing for corporate clients. And, it left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled.

This exhibition represents a photographic return to a subject matter and style of photography that I originally started out with. It all takes cues from a quote I once heard that, "we may be through with the past, but the past ain't through with us"- something that I genuinely believe to be true after working on this project."
- Gordon Ball   

About Gordon Ball
 It could be argued that Montreal-born photographer, Gordon Ball was genetically predisposed to practice photography. A third generation photographer, he is the son of Doug Ball, a two-time National Newspaper photography award winner- which explains why Gordon began photographing at a very early age. In his teens, he documented both skate and punk culture, was published the world over in album layouts and publications, then attended OCAD on a scholarship. Ball has since exhibited numerously across Canada, been commissioned to photograph for Nike, Audi and IMG and, been published in Dazed and Confused, Spin and Penthouse.
Gordon Ball's website.

Presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier. For more information, click on the flier above. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Dave Arnold's Teenage Nudes opens at the Emporium Gallery on Thursday, August 20th

2009-08-17T11:43:00.004-04:00

Dave Arnold's Teenage Nudes opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, August 20th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, August 23rd from 12PM-5PM. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, August 24th to Tuesday, August 25th 2009.

About Teenage Nudes 
Montreal-based visual artist Dave Arnold makes his return to Emporium Gallery with Teenage Nudes- a new collection of Pop Art-infused paintings that depict ubiquitous childhood iconography, corrupted and re-imagined by the artist. Lawless and deviant, Teenage Nudes is nothing short of a warped Freudian collision of childhood and adulthood.  

Artist Statement 
"After years of developing an enormous collection of Archies, the stories they presented somehow lost their original appeal. As a young sexually inexperienced child I began to fantasize about what could possibly exist under the clothes of Betty and Veronica. Luckily, my older brother took the guess work out of it when, in 1991, he slipped me an extremely precise tracing he had made of Veronica Lodge's tits- which obviously blew my mind. This collection of new works is dedicated to my childhood self and all future generations of baby faced perverts."
- Dave Arnold  

About Dave Arnold
 Dave Arnold (b. 1981, Canada) is a Montreal-based visual artist. Known for his irreverent perspective and unique Pop-Art aesthetic which combines a modern sensibility with a penchant for nostalgia, Arnold is as obsessed with executing the perfect line as he with augmenting the charm of imperfection. Having previously exhibited D-DAY and Man International, two solo exhibitions in 2008, Dave Arnold is increasingly winning attention- with Teenage Nudes being highlighted as an anticipated exhibition in the Montreal Mirror's 2009 Hot Summer Guide.Bold and commanding, Arnold's artworks are strong visual statements peppered with satire.
Dave Arnold's website.

Presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier. For more information, click on the flier above. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Growing Up by Patrick Tsai and Coley Brown opens Thursday, July 30th at The Emporium Gallery

2009-07-26T13:58:00.005-04:00

Growing Up by Patrick Tsai and Coley Brown will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, July 30th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd from 12PM-5PM. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, August 3rd to Wednesday, August 5th 2009.

About Growing Up-
Growing Up is an ongoing collaboration between Tokyo-based photographer, Patrick Tsai and NYC-based photographer, Coley Brown. Documenting this lifelong act, which they have done across the world, their exhibition features candid photographs of personal moments that are both intimate and magical. The outcome is a mesmerizing survey of growing up- one of life's most universal experiences.

Artist Statement-
"Growing Up was spurred by a spontaneous scene we witnessed together at Shibuya station in Tokyo, Japan- where two high school girls were leaning against a wall, one was crying while the other was trying to comfort her. Even though they were surrounded by a city of millions, they were the only ones that existed for that brief moment. The photograph we took of them that day eventually became the genesis of our project, a project whose intention was to document and explore the inevitable process of growing up."
Growing Up website.

About Patrick Tsai
Patrick Tsai was born in America in 1981. After graduating from the film program at NYU, he moved to Taiwan to practice photography. Three years later he met Chinese photographer, Madi Ju and moved to China. Together they started the online studio/photo diary, 'My Little Dead Dick' which obtained cult status and was thereafter shortlisted at the 2008 Hyere’s festival. After his break up with Ju, Patrick moved to Tokyo- where he now resides. His work has been featured in various publications such as Vice Magazine’s Annual Photo Issue and Foam Magazine.
Patrick Tsai website.

About Coley Brown
Coley Brown was born in Louisiana in 1987. At age 19, he moved to New York City where, for the next two years, he traveled the USA assisting photographers such as Ryan McGinley. His work, the result of his constant traveling and exploration of the world around him, recently resulted in 'Jam Jelly Honey Wild Rice'- his first monograph and, his first solo exhibition in Osaka, Japan.
Coley Brown website.

This exhibition is presented by The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier but has been made possible by Converse. Click on the flier above for more information. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

The Vice Photo Show- Thursday, July 16th @ The Emporium Gallery

2009-07-13T14:25:00.003-04:00

The Vice Photo Show will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, July 16th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th from 12PM-5PM.

About the Vice Photo Show Exhibition
Since 2002, Vice has published yearly photo issues that are definitive surveys of what's happening in contemporary photography. Responsible for popularizing the early work of some of today's most respected and imitated photographers, the Vice Photo Issue is, well straight up influential. In celebration of this year's issue, Vice is showcasing the work of Dana Goldstein and Jamie Taete; two emerging photographers that the magazine is fond of.

Vice Statement
"In honour of the 2009 Photo Issue, Vice is putting together two photo exhibitions in Montreal and Toronto to celebrate and supplement some of the new and founding talent we'll be featuring in this issue. Both shows will profile the work of two emerging and regular contributing photographers that we've become quite fond of— Dana Goldstein and Jamie Taete."

About Dana Goldstein
Dana Lauren Goldstein was born in Louisville, Kentucky. After receiving her BFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she moved to New York City where she spent a year interning and assisting with eminent fashion photographer Kenneth Cappello. Dana’s work has since been exhibited all over the globe, and has shown with the Pulse Art Fair through the Saatchi Gallery,Tiny Vices, ITIWA, NOfound, Dazed Digital, and Puma. Her work has also appeared in the pages of i-D, Dazed and Confused, Vice, Bad Day, WAD, Intersection, QVest, and Sup among many others. Dana currently resides in lower Manhattan where she is pursuing a book which will be released later this year, and in her spare time she curates raging art parties that feature emerging artists and international talent. You can see Dana's work here.

About Jamie Taete
Jamie Taete is a 24-year-old photographer from the exact center of England, whose general celebrity fixation runs so deep he legally changed his name to Jamie Lee Curtis Taete.Like most photographers we admire, Jamie seems able to seek out scenes that are beyond weird, yet they all seem to be happening just down the street from his apartment. His photos have appeared in publications such as Vice, Chief, and The Guardian. His work has also been featured in the Tiny Vices traveling exhibition in USA, Mexico, France, Britain, and Japan. He is currently a staff photographer and regular contributor to Vice UK, and he blogs here.

About Vice
Vice Magazine is the first free, internationally distributed lifestyle magazine in the history of civilization. Founded in Montreal, Quebec and now currently based in New York City, we've been constantly expanding our reach to global proportions. With 18 satellite offices located around the world, simultaneous monthly issues are published from Japan to Brazil to Holland to France and back, with our editions reflecting the latest news and opinions from smart and funny people on the ground in each of our territories. In other cultural sects, you can find us producing our own brand of films, books, dvds and records, as well as our wide-reaching online television network, VBS.tv. In many ways, it's not easy to get rid of us.
viceland.com
vbs.tv

For more info, click on the flier above.

*This exhibition is presented by WeSC, Bierbrier and the Emporium Gallery and is additionally sponsored by GekaSkins and Pikto. Hope you can make it out, Ben Pobjoy

Seripop 'No Henge' exhibition Thursday, July 2nd at the Emporium

2009-06-29T12:00:00.005-04:00

Seripop's No Henge exhibition, their first solo exhibition in Montreal (and first Canadian exhibition in almost 2 years), opens this Thursday, July 2nd at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) from 7PM-11PM.

No Henge elaborates on the Montreal-based Seripop's penchant for psychedelic exuberance through an immersive, silkscreen-based kaleidoscopic take over of the Emporium Gallery. No surface will be left bare so be prepared for the onslaught. You can see Seripop's artwork here.

For more information go to Emporium website here or click on the flier above. Us and Bierbrier are excited to be presenting this! Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Professor Norman Cornett: "Since when do we divorce the right answer from an honest answer?" documentary premieres this week in Montreal

2009-06-14T20:11:00.003-04:00

Dr. Norman Cornett, one of Montreal's most interesting and intriguing characters, is the subject of Professor Norman Cornett: "Since when do we divorce the right answer from an honest answer?", a new NFB documentary by award-winning filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin that documents Cornett's unorthodox approach to teaching as well as his controversial dismissal from McGill. Passionate and remarkable, Cornett is a Montreal gem.

Professor Norman Cornett: "Since when do we divorce the right answer from an honest answer?" is premiering in Montreal this week (the film is in English but with French subtitles);

Tuesday June 16, 7 pm
Grande bibliothèque 475, boul. De Maisonneuve Est
(Free admission for this screening only)

Wednesday June 17, 8:30 pm
Cinema ONF 1564 St-Denis
Tickets and information: 514 677-1377

Following the film there will be a Q&A with filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin and guests. This should not be missed! I'll be at the Tuesday premiere, Ben Pobjoy

Emporium State of Mind / June 18th at the Emporium Gallery

2009-06-12T23:05:00.005-04:00

The Emporium Gallery and Montreal State of Mind (Montreal's most important blog focused on local bilingual arts and culture) will be combining forces to present 'Emporium State of Mind', a media spanning group exhibition that will exemplify Montreal State of Mind's mission- to promote the inherent creativity of those who live in Montreal done through the Emporium Gallery's curation. 'Emporium State of Mind' will feature the work of almost 15 Montreal-based visual artists (listed below, who will each be exhibiting one artwork priced at a maximum of $200CAD). The intent of the 'Emporium State of Mind' is to celebrate both Montreal's inherent creativity and the city's emerging artists all while giving attendees the opportunity to buy artwork at an incredibly affordable price.

Emporium State of Mind will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest, #74) on Thursday, June 18th 2009 from 7PM - 11PM. The exhibition will also be open Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st 2009 from 12PM-5PM. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, June 22nd to Wednesday, June 24th 2009. 

Click on the flier above to learn which artists are participating or click here for more information. Come show your support for Montreal's emerging artists and celebrate Montreal's creativity, Ben Pobjoy

Niall McClelland's 'Losers' exhibition opens at the Emporium Gallery on Thursday, May 21st!

2009-05-16T14:30:00.005-04:00

Niall McClelland's 'Losers' exhibition will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, May 21st from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th from 12PM-5PM. Private viewings will be available thereafter by appointment from Monday, May 25th to Wednesday, May 27th.

About Losers
Niall McClelland is a Toronto-based multi-disciplinary artist whose work has been featured in such publications as Adbusters, Arkitip, Nylon, The Walrus and Tokion. Losers, his first Montreal exhibition, is a collection of new artworks that are in fact a series of imagined and forgotten flags- each of which exemplify McClelland's interest in absurdity, misspent youth, graphic systems of identity and the language of mark making.

Artist Statement
"There is a strong material focus in my work, frequently limited to a grey scale palette and readily available materials such as graphite, photocopies, ink and paper. These materials reflect the nature of the subjects whose identity is being explored and re-imagined. There is both a sense of recklessness and restraint in my work, markings that imagine violent and brutal past lifes, while also retaining an inherent solemnity and respect.

The work created for the Emporium Gallery is a series of imagined and forgotten flags, residing in this make shift space in dedication to their forgotten owners. These are symbols of identity that have been lost in history, symbols of the forgotten and insignificant, overshadowed and tossed aside. This is an attempt to re-create a place of importance for some of those losers."

About Niall McClelland
Niall McClelland, 28, grew up in Toronto, Ontario, spent many of his summers in Northern Ireland, went to school at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver BC, and eight years later moved back to Toronto where he currently resides.

He has previously exhibited in Toronto, New York City, Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, Denver and Sydney and, has been commissioned by Adidas, Nike, Element Skateboards and many others.

For more information click on the invite above. To see more of Niall McClelland's work click here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

The Emporium Gallery chosen as 4th best Art Gallery in Montreal by readers of the Montreal Mirror!

2009-05-16T14:16:00.005-04:00

We would like to thank all the Montreal Mirror readers that voted for the Emporium Gallery in the publication's 2009 'Best of Montreal' readers poll. We were voted the 4th best art gallery in Montreal- which we consider a real achievement given that the Emporium Gallery is less than 2 years old. So, we're elated and consider this recognition to be the best recognition we've earned to date- since it's the outcome of a popular vote rather than praise heaped on us by a singular writer or editor. You can see the Montreal Mirror's BOM poll here. A million thanks to everyone who voted for us- we do not take your support for granted! Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Switzerland designs a poster for folk legend Pete Seeger

2009-05-07T16:59:00.006-04:00

Switzerland recently collaborated with photographer Jamie-James Medina (of Polite Company) and illustrator Dave Arnold to design a poster for Pete Seeger's 90th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden. A lot of you have inquired about the poster so we decided to post it. Needless to say it was an absolute honor to design a poster for Pete Seeger, a folk legend- made a million times more amazing given that Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Tom Morello, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson and a ton of others played the show. The poster was printed in a limited capacity with each copy signed by Seeger himself. If I'm not mistaken all the performers received a copy of the signed poster with the remaining posters being auctioned for Seeger's Clearwater charity. We got word that we're going to receive some signed posters so we're thrilled. Hope you like it, Ben Pobjoy

Dr. Norman Cornett, our pal, the subject of a NFB Documentary!

2009-05-06T00:39:00.011-04:00

If you have ever been to the Emporium Gallery you have probably found me deep in conversation with Dr. Norman Cornett (pictured above), one of our most beloved patrons. I first met Dr. Cornett last year when he attended my Land of America installation and playfully challenged me to defend it. I was awestruck by Dr. Cornett's passion for the arts- he cannot be matched in Montreal. I see him at every exhibition deep in conversation with the artist that is exhibiting- it's marvelous. Anyway, Dr. Cornett has evolved to be a dear friend of mine and I consider him to be a gem of a man. It's why I'm ecstatic to announce that the National Film Board will be releasing a documentary about him. You can see the trailer here. Support this and spread the word! Ben Pobjoy

Montreal’s Gaetanne Lavoie- solo exhibition this Saturday at The Emporium Gallery

2009-05-06T00:28:00.003-04:00

The Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Bierbrier are pleased to present Gaetanne Lavoie’s ‘Moments in Time’ solo exhibition at The Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) this Saturday (May 9th) from 7PM-11PM. ‘Moments in Time’ is a new collection of over 20 oil paintings that beautifully capture life’s unacknowledged moments through portraits. Lavoie has previously exhibited in Brooklyn and San Francisco with ‘Moments in Time’ being her first Montreal exhibition in over 2 years. So, come on out and support this fantastic Montreal-based painter.

For more information click the invite above or visit The Emporium Gallery’s website at here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

SNAP! Magazine Issue #6 Launch this Wednesday!

2009-04-20T18:06:00.006-04:00

SNAP! Magazine will be launching their sixth issue this Wednesday at Blizzarts (3956A St. Laurent). The sixth issue centers around 'vagabonds' so it should make for a great read. The event starts at 9PM and there will be free drinks for the first couple of hours. So, come out, grab a copy of the new issue and support a great magazine that supports the local arts scene like few other publications do. For more information click the eflier above or visit the SNAP! Magazine website here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Sam Friedman exhibition opens at the Emporium Gallery next week!

2009-04-08T22:17:00.006-04:00

Sam Friedman's So is it just bacon here? exhibition will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Thursday, April 16th from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will be open Saturday, April 18th- Sunday, April 19th 2009 from 12PM - 5PM. Private viewings available by appointment from Monday, April 20th to Wednesday, April 22nd 2009.

About So, is it just bacon here?-
Sam Friedman is a Brooklyn-based artist who has contributed art to the New York Times, the Village Voice, Business Week and many others. Having already exhibited in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, So, is it just bacon here? represents Friedman's first Canadian exhibition- one that will feature 40 new, small artworks made especially for this exhibition.

Artist Statement-
"This is a collection of mainly smaller pictures on paper. They were all made in my studio in Brooklyn, NY and shipped to Canada for this show. I hope you enjoy them."

About Sam Friedman
Sam Friedman was raised in Oneonta New York. At eighteen he moved to New York City. He and his wife Laura Carmelita Bellmont share a small apartment together and he rents a studio a few blocks away. His day to day is a mix of painting, illustrating, lettering, odd jobs, and the occasional mural. You can see Sam Friedman's website here.

This exhibition is brought to you by the Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and BierBrier. For more information click on the evite above or visit the Emporium Gallery website here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

The Emporium Gallery needs your help!

2009-04-08T21:58:00.005-04:00

The Montreal Mirror is currently running its yearly 'Best of Montreal' poll. Vote for the Emporium Gallery in the Best Gallery category- we'll love you long time! You don't have to be from Montreal to vote and it only takes a few minutes. The poll closes April 24th so vote before then. You can vote here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

The Emporium Gallery is proud to serve BierBrier!

2009-03-30T15:38:00.006-04:00

We just met up with the great folks at Montreal's Bierbrier and are excited to announce that we will be serving Bierbrier beer at all Emporium Gallery exhibitions. The beer is brewed locally, is all natural and has no additives or preservatives. Bierbrier's a pro-arts company so we couldn't be more happier to be serving their product. You can learn more about Bierbrier here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

The Book Cover Archive

2009-03-29T14:42:00.006-04:00

Our pal Jamie-James Medina recently informed as about the Book Cover Archive- an archive of book cover designs and designers. It's a really great visual repository of great designs. And, on a rainy day like today, it's a great site/resource to surf. You can see the Book Cover Archive here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

All Hail Rick Froberg!

2009-03-28T11:58:00.007-04:00

Is Rick Froberg genetically wired to rip at all things creative? An unbelievably talented illustrator (click here to see his work), Froberg has also played in such seminal bands as Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes. Anyway, he's now playing in Obits and they're great. If you like Hot Snakes, you'll like Obits which utilizes Froberg's signature twangy, surfy guitar style and urgent vocals. To hear Obits click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

The Emporium Gallery is now on Twitter.

2009-03-27T21:20:00.005-04:00

If anyone's interested, the Emporium Gallery is now on Twitter. We'll be using Twitter for exhibition-related happenings, news on artists that we exhibit and arts-related happenings in Montreal. You can follow the Emporium Gallery on Twitter here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

New Switzerland CS promotional video

2009-03-26T16:01:00.008-04:00

Switzerland CS has recently expanded its lines of service by offering a multimedia production service. So, we've created a new Switzerland CS promotional video that has been integrated into our website to showcase these new abilities. You can see the animated video here. The video's music is courtesy of Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains- one of our favorite bands. To hear music from Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

WE'RE BACK! The Emporium Gallery is back in action and proud to bring you the Bad Day Magazine Issue #4 Launch and Exhibition!

2009-03-25T17:45:00.006-04:00

We couldn't be more excited to be reopening the Emporium Gallery after our winter hibernation. And, it's fantastic to start the programming year off with a launch and exhibition for Bad Day- one of our favorites arts publications. And, we're pretty excited to be exhibiting some of the Parra's artworks that comprise this exhibition. It's what the kids would call a real 'banger.'

So without further hold up...

The Bad Day Magazine Issue #4 Launch and Exhibition will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest #74) on Wednesday, April 1st from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will be open Thursday, April 2nd through Sunday, April 5th from 12PM - 5PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment only from Monday April 6th through Wednesday, April 8th.

About the Bad Day Launch and Exhibition-
Bad Day, a Toronto-based magazine, will be launching its fourth issue with an exhibition featuring the artworks of Parra, Lukas Geronimas, Oliver Laric and WZRDS GANG- all of whom are featured in the fourth issue. A mixed-media group exhibition chock full of prints, film and sculpture, the Bad Day launch should not be missed.

Bad Day Statement-
"Bad Day is a Toronto-based quarterly arts publication that promotes the collaboration of creative minds and the exposure of contemporary arts culture. The purpose is to bring the most important current artists to the forefront by giving them a platform that is tangible and accessible. With thought-provoking interviews and a unique design aesthetic, Bad Day creates a dialogue on the artistic process while emphasizing the importance of community."

About Bad Day-
Toronto's Bad Day was founded by filmmaker/photographer Eva Michon and designer/musician Colin Bergh in 2007. In just four issues, Bad Day has already featured interviews with critically acclaimed artists such as Harmony Korine, Ian MacKaye, Tim Barber, Parra and many others. Well-recieved and internationally distributed, Bad Day has additionally won a reputation for its issue launches / exhibitions which bring its issues to life by showcasing the artwork of both contributing and featured artists.
Click here for the Bad Day website.

About Parra
Parra is a popular Amsterdam-based multi-disciplinary artist. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Heineken and Alife while simultaneously exhibiting his artworks at prestigious galleries around the world. Parra is also both the owner and art director of Rockwell, a popular street wear brand.
Click here for the Parra/Rockwell website.

About WZRDS GANG
WZRDS GANG is a Vancouver-based arts collective that was established in 2005. Its main objective is to promote fun and unity through acts of social agitation. The WZRDS GANG has flourished to have many worldwide contributors.
Click here for the WZRDS GANG website.

About Lukas Geronimas
Lukas Geronimas is a Toronto-based visual artist who primarily works in sculpture. He is currently studying sculpture at the Milton Avery School at Bard College.
Click here for Lukas Geronimas' website.

About Oliver Laric
Oliver Laric, a multi-disciplinary artist, was born in Tirana, Albania in 1981.
Click here for Oliver Laric's website.

***For more information click the eflier image or visit the Emporium Gallery website here. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Gallery! Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Sophie Jodoin @ Battat Contemporary

2009-03-20T10:41:00.007-04:00

Last night I had the privilege of attending Sophie Jodoin's Headgames: hoods, helmets & gasmasks exhibition which happened to the be the inaugural exhibition at Battat Contemporary (7245 Alexandra St, Suite 100). Jodoin's artworks were technically brilliant. Using conté on mylar, Jodoin's Headgames was austere yet emotive thanks to her ability to pair a rough and raw 'attack' style with an incongruous sense of restraint and an eye for details that really distinguished her artworks. Her ability to replicate light source and illustrate both steel and human features is marvelous. And, the fact that she executed 75 heads, all of which eerily floated on the same sight line across the artworks was a technical feat. Headgames is therefore as attractive to artists as it is to gallerists- with Battat Contemporary hanging the artworks with respectable precision.

Battat Contemporary, as a space, is a welcome addition to Montreal's art scene. Large, clean and replete with character, Battat Contemporary is a wonderful venue. I look forward to following their curatorial vision for the space. Headgames runs until April 24th and I encourage Montrealers to check out the exhibition. To learn more about Sophie Jodoin click here and to learn more about Battat Contemporary click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Laura Archer has been freed!

2009-03-13T15:51:00.008-04:00

CBC news just called me to inform me that Laura Archer, a Montreal-based painter that lives in the same building as the Emporium Gallery, has been freed by her kidnappers in Sudan. This is fantastic news!!! Laura's a selfless individual who has numerously volunteered her nursing skills in Africa. We're glad to know that she's safe and sound. You can read about the kidnapping here. Great news, Ben Pobjoy

Sanza Hanza documentary now streaming for free!

2009-03-13T15:31:00.006-04:00

We recently did all the titling for Polite Company's Sanza Hanza [King Surfer] documentary. To celebrate the documentary's inclusion in the London International Documentary Film Festival, Street Carnage is currently streaming the film in its entirety here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Amber Albrecht's Demarcations opens at Division Gallery tomorrow!

2009-02-27T22:13:00.008-05:00

Ben Klein's curatorial vision continues to impress us so it's no surprise that we've been eagerly awaiting Amber Albrecht's Demarcations exhibition at Division Gallery (372 Ste Catherine Ouest, Suite 311). Opening tomorrow (from 3PM-6PM), Damarcations runs until April 4th.

Damarcations features new work by Montreal-based, visual artist Amber Albrecht. Known for her print work which is as austere as it is ornate, Albrecht's work shares similarities with the starkness of Aubrey Beardsley's illustrations all while having its own unique esthetic thanks to her penchant for earthy tones and folksy textures and graphic overlays. To see more of Amber Albrecht's work click here. For details on Division Gallery click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Christian Marclay @ DHC/ART

2009-02-27T21:16:00.007-05:00

Christian Marclay's Replay exhibition at DHC/ART (451 rue St-Jean) in Montreal is outstanding. If you're familiar with Marclay's work or are a fan of sound and/or film installation work then you'll love Replay. Marclay's long been celebrated as a sensory agitator- unleashing artworks that are spectacularly grating. 'Crossfire' (2007) and 'Guitar Drag' (1999) are the exhibition's standouts.

You can learn more about Marclay by watching the mini-documentary below. Enjoy, Ben

Halo Halo

2009-02-24T12:56:00.006-05:00

Toronto's Halo Halo is both a nomadic screen printing studio and a creator of great silkscreen prints. The brainchild of both Jeff Garcia, an illustrator and Jan Avendano, a designer, Halo Halo create beautifully layered designs that exemplify how far you can push silkscreening. To learn more about Halo Halo click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Honda- Short Films Campaign

2009-02-19T12:58:00.010-05:00

Honda recently launched an interesting web-based branded content campaign that utilizes an interesting approach- using short films to discuss subjects such as innovation obstacles and 'open' ideation with non-company thought leaders on the future of transportation. It's somewhat of a daring strategy for an Enterprise to entertain (admitting failure and utilizing 'open innovation' so publicly)- which makes it that much more refreshing. We're living in changing times and it is interesting to witness the way brands are harnessing the viral, multi-media aspect of the web as well as unconventional corporate messaging to prioritize an 'experience' for viewers/consumers rather than standard 'outreach' techniques. You can see the recent Honda campaign here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Boogie does Time (and we don't mean jail)

2009-02-17T15:29:00.005-05:00

Our pal Boogie just informed us that Time is running some of his photographs- it's a real achievement for him. You can see his photographs on Time here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

MuchMusic interview with Ben Pobjoy now online

2009-02-13T11:04:00.005-05:00

You can watch the segment on Ben Pobjoy for their 'Confessions' program here.

Switzerland CS website has been updated!

2009-02-12T13:50:00.006-05:00

We're happy to announce that the Switzerland CS website has been updated with a ton of new portfolio work. you can see the website here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Ben Pobjoy in the March/April issue of SNAP!

2009-02-12T13:42:00.004-05:00

Look out for the March/April issue of SNAP! They're running a photo essay that Ben shot in Compton last August along with some anecdotes. Check it out!

MuchMusic interviews Ben Pobjoy in the Swiss Office!

2009-02-12T13:33:00.005-05:00

MuchMusic was in the office yesterday to film an interview with Ben Pobjoy for 'Confessions', one of their relatively new shows. The interview revolved around Pobjoy's photography, Switzerland CS, the Emporium and general thoughts on arts and culture and Montreal. We'll let you know when it airs!

Hey Toronto- Bad Day Issue #3 Magazine Launch Event next week!

2009-01-30T14:44:00.005-05:00

Bad Day's launching their third issue on February 5th at 107 Shaw Street in Toronto. The launch starts at 9PM and will go late. The third issue features Harmony Korine, Jimmy Limit, Agnes Thor, Fucked Up, etc. Switzerland CS' own Ben Pobjoy contributed the Agnes Thor and Fucked Up interviews to the issue. Bad Day's a great magazine, so support it. For launch party details click on the evite above or visit Bad Day's site here.

Congrats Nadia Hallgren!

2009-01-29T16:01:00.006-05:00

We just wanted to congratulate our good pal Nadia Hallgren who contributed cinematography to Trouble the Water, which just earned an 81st Annual Academy Award Nomination for Best Feature Documentary. We'll definitely be rooting for Hallgren on Oscar night next month!

For those who don't know, Hallgren premiered Sanza Hanza (King Surfer), her first short feature documentary, where she was both director and cinematographer, at the Emporium Gallery last fall as part of the larger Sanza Hanza exhibition.

You can see the Trouble the Water trailer here and Hallgren's reel here. We could not be any prouder! Ben Pobjoy

Hey Montreal- SNAP! Magazine Issue #5 Launch Party this Thursday!

2009-01-27T22:05:00.006-05:00

Our good pals at SNAP! Magazine are launching their 5th issue this Thursday at the SNAP Salon (4064 St. Laurent Suite 1) Free drinks will be served from 9PM - 11PM. There will be DJs spinning tunes and free issues of SNAP! to gobble up. Us Swiss boys will be there so come join us. For more information, click on the evite above or visit the SNAP! website here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Tomoo Gokita

2009-01-27T21:01:00.010-05:00

I don't know much about Tomoo Gokita except the fact that he's Japanese and turning 40 years old this year. I've been following his work for sometime now. It's a unique combination of a mid-twentieth century 'painterly' American technique, Cubist conception of shape and form and modernist Magrittean 'identity-denying' Surrealism. And, to be safe, I'll say that he borrows his sensibility from Dali which he infuses with Francis Bacon's doom and gloom esthetic. Ha ha, take that to the bank! And, he tends to paint using Gouache as his medium on linen. Crazy hey? To see more of Gokita's work click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Inside the Frozen Mammoth- New Montreal-based arts blog

2009-01-20T19:18:00.005-05:00

Our good friends Julien Ceccaldi and Kit Malo (who exhibited at the Emporium Gallery last fall) recently co-founded Inside the Frozen Mammoth- a Montreal-based arts blog. It looks very promising. You can check it out here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Vote Elana Mullaly!

2009-01-16T12:43:00.006-05:00

Our good friend Elana Mullaly, an exceptionally talented illustrator based in Brisbane, Australia needs your help. She actually needs you to vote for her here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

The blog suffered last month so that PAS could thrive!

2009-01-15T14:19:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts last month! Shawn and I were heavily at work on PAS; a new browser-based 'software as service' application that RedTree, our software development company, released after 2 years of ideation, design and development. We're incredibly proud of PAS and look forward to heavily promoting it in 2009. There's still a lot of work to be done with regards to PAS but the work is now manageable and should not affect the blog.

PAS, if you're interested, is an acronym for Progress Awareness Simplified. It was developed to help companies and organizations bolster their productivity to increase both their competitiveness and operational practices. A secure, browser-based application, PAS unites stakeholders and participants in any initiative- from anywhere, at anytime.

PAS simplifies and visualizes the processes associated with any initiative so companies and organizations can maximize their innovation and actualize their goals. The result is a dynamic sense of purpose, unprecedented awareness and workforce intuition with regards to team member contributions- all in a single, compliance-friendly medium for collaboration, PAS is Progress Awareness Simplified.

To learn more about PAS click here. Thanks, Ben

Hey Montreal- There's some great exhibitions these next few days

2009-01-15T12:55:00.014-05:00

The next few days are full of great exhibitions at some of our favorite galleries in the city. The following is a rundown;

Mathieu Lévesque's Peripheral Vision exhibition is opening at Megan Bradley's Push Gallery (5264 St. Laurent). The vernissage begins at 7PM on Thursday, January 15th. The exhibition runs until February 15th. Click on the Evite above for more information.

Christian Knudsen's A Brief History of Time exhibition is opening at Ben Klein's Division Gallery (372 Ste. Catherine Ouest, Suite 311). The vernissage runs from 1PM to 6PM on Saturday, January 17th. The exhibition runs until February 26th.

Natalie Reis' Idols and Creatures exhibition (her first solo exhibit in Montreal) is opening at Galerie Trois Points (372 Ste. Catherine Ouest, Suite 520). The vernissage runs from 4PM to 12AM on Saturday, January 17th. The exhibition runs until February 14th. Click on the Evite above for more information.

Hope to see you at these great exhibitions, Ben Pobjoy

Emporium Gallery website updated with 2 new Virtual Tours and a sneak peek at 2009 programming!

2009-01-13T17:55:00.006-05:00

We're pleased to announce that the Emporium Gallery website has been updated with two virtual tours from that Gallery's final 2008 exhibitions. So, you can now access Virtual Tours of Hayden Menzies' Things Change exhibition and Julia Deakin's Ex Oh exhibition. The Virtual Tours can be found in a toggle bar at bottom right hand side of the website's main page. In addition, we're pleased to announce some of the Gallery's exciting 2009 programming on the website too. So, click here to see the aforementioned. Shawn and I look forward to seeing you at the gallery in 2009, Ben Pobjoy

The Pirate's Dilemma

2009-01-12T18:57:00.007-05:00

Matt Mason, formerly of Vice and RWD, has recently released 'The Pirate's Dilemma: How Youth Culture is Reinventing Capitalism.' It's a fantastic book that is informative, compelling and inspiring. If you're interested in how youth culture how has evolved to be become a zillion fragmented nanocultures that are intelligent, influential, impervious and temporal, you'll really dig this book. It's one of the few books that highlights Generation Y's ability to reclaim its rightful control of culture and, in doing so, not have to consume 'cool' culture that has been appropriated by brands and repackaged as products to make one feel 'cool' at an expensive price in an inauthentic way. We're all marketeers now and it's our duty to be the gatekeepers of culture- to control culture and collaborate with brands in ways that are most beneficial to both the pioneers and producers of culture- on our own terms and conditions. To learn more about Matt Mason's Pirate's Dilemma (and to download a free copy of the book) click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Bandstocks

2009-01-12T12:45:00.004-05:00

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than witnessing the use of the internet to challenge long standing, historically-exclusive control(s) over the distribution of goods and information- especially as it concerns culture. I have recently learnt about 'Bandstocks', a UK-based website that allows 'fans' (who have to be UK residents) to invest in a musician's prospective new album.

The logic behind Bandstocks is that fans can now invest in the creation of forthcoming albums (by essentially fronting upstart capital required to make an album). This enables musicians to bypass their contractual obligation to record labels- many of which, and I'm referring to the major labels here, have been historically usurious and, instead, be totally supported by their fans. Bandstocks value to fans is that fans can now experience a potential return on their 'fanship' and musicians experience greater freedom and better lending rates.

While I'm unlearned with regards to the mechanics of Bandstocks (and am merely judging Bandstocks on the freshness of its idea), I'm pretty impressed. I like that fans can invest in an album and profit from recommending it- it's so unbelievably viral! The major labels have never rewarded fans for their loyalty or rewarded their 'word of mouth-ness' which has often been instrumental in making certain records major sellers. Bandstocks, on premise alone, seems to correct this. So, it will be interesting to see how Bandstocks challenges music's landscape in the future. To learn more about Bandstocks click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Jim Lambie

2009-01-10T23:53:00.005-05:00

Scottish artist Jim Lambie is on a tear these days. His energetic, raw and fun artworks are winning the artist attention the world over. I've been lucky enough to see Lambie's work in the flesh and it's stellar- it's so simple, often made out of everyday materials, yet so intelligent. He's as pragmatic as he is creative. You can see more of Lambie's work here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Natalie Reis

2009-01-09T14:52:00.005-05:00

Natalie Reis is one of my favorite Montreal-based visual artists. Her painting style is sparse and unrefined and even has a Henry Darger dreamlike quality to it. She's participating in the Montreal Biennial this May and, needless to say, I'm excited to see her contribution(s). You can see more of Natalie Reis' work here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Ben Pobjoy interviews Fucked Up, Agnes Thor and Parra for Bad Day Magazine

2009-01-09T13:51:00.007-05:00

Bad Day is one of Canada's best arts and culture quarterlies. So, that should be reason enough for you to pick it up. However, if you need more incentive and, we're unsure if it's even incentive, you might be compelled to pick up the next few issues of Bad Day to read interviews that Ben Pobjoy conducted with some really talented people from around the world. Pobjoy already completed an interview with Fucked Up that he conducted with the Toronto Punk behemoths in their tour van in Montreal last October. In addition, he completed another interview with Swedish photographer Agnes Thor in Paris during Paris Photo last November. He's now slated to interview Parra, an influential Dutch illustrator, graphic designer, fashion designer and entrepreneur in the next few days. To learn more about Bad Day and the interviewees click the links below. Support Bad Day, Ben Pobjoy

Bad Day
Fucked Up
Agnes Thor
Parra

Eva Michon makes us proud!

2009-01-09T13:40:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to our long time friend Eva Michon for winning Vice's Super Short Story contest with The Ivy House, her short story. Michon's an uber talented photographer, filmmaker, magazine editor, illustrator and writer from Toronto. We collaborate with her often and feel privileged to call her a friend. Way to go Eva! To read Michon's the Ivy House click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Hey Montreal- Presence Film Premiere TONIGHT!

2009-01-09T13:06:00.005-05:00

Our good friend Greg Flag, a ripping Montreal by way of Nova Scotia BMXer, is in Jeremy Deme's new 'Presence' film. Premiering tonight at Green Room (5386 Boul. St. Laurent) at 9PM, Presence is chock-full of big tricks. It's going to be a fun night, so come out and support a project put together by some talented locals, Ben Pobjoy.

Switzerland CS creates film titles for Polite Company's Sanza Hanza

2009-01-09T12:31:00.008-05:00

Polite Company recently hired Switzerland CS to design the film titles for Sanza Hanza, their production company's debut short documentary. Sanza Hanza, directed by Nadia Hallgren and produced by Jamie-James Medina, made its Canadian premiere at the Emporium Gallery last fall. It is to premiere at Slamdance and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this month before continuing its global travels on the film festival circuit. Described by Morgan Spurlock, director of both Super Size Me and Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?, as a "scary and moving. A beautiful film", we could not agree more nor be more pleased to have been a part of such a great project! To learn more about Sanza Hanza click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Montreal Mirror nominates Ben Pobjoy as a '2009 Noisemaker'

2009-01-09T12:04:00.007-05:00

Montreal Mirror recently named Ben Pobjoy, the Operations Director at Switzerland CS and the Director of Curation and Communications at the Emporium Gallery, as one of Montreal's 20 'Noisemakers' for 2009- thanks to his contribution to local arts and culture. Every January the Montreal Mirror highlights 20 individuals in Montreal (which they refer to as Noisemakers) that are contributing to the city in an interesting, important capacity. Our team appreciates the recognition and looks forward to further enriching Montreal's culture- this year and beyond. You can read the article on Ben Pobjoy here.

Michael Pobjoy- new website online

2009-01-08T20:38:00.005-05:00

Switzerland CS recently completed a new website for sculptor Michael Pobjoy. You can check it out here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Hey Montreal- SNAP! Christmas Fundraiser This Week!

2008-12-09T17:10:00.006-05:00

Our friends at SNAP! Magazine, one of Montreal's best independent magazines, are organizing a fundraising party that will take place on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 from 7:30PM to 11PM at the SNAP! Salon (4064 St. Laurent, Suite 1).

Why attend? Simple, the $15 ticket price enters you into a draw to win 1 of 15 artworks donated by artists such as Ben Klein, Bettina Forget, Ben Pobjoy, Stancyl 3, Robby Reis, Jeremy Dabrowski, Karin Demeyer, Pierre-Etienne Masse, Xavier Tolentino and many more. There's also door prizes and cheap drinks.

This is the perfect opportunity to grow your art collection and/or win some artwork that you can give as a gift during the holiday season. For more information click the eflier above or visit the SNAP! website here. Support this, Ben Pobjoy

Hey Toronto- Cape Town Shakedown benefit exhibition at Studio Gallery

2008-11-12T18:49:00.003-05:00

I have contributed a limited edition 20"x30" c-print from my recent Land of America exhibition (which was written about by Vice, Urban Outfitters, the Montreal Mirror, etc.) to the Cape Town Shakedown benefit exhibition that is taking place at Studio Gallery (294 College, 2nd Fl.) in Toronto on Thursday, November 20th from 7PM-11PM. But the print and support a great cause. More information on the event and the foundation can be found below, Ben Pobjoy

The Cape Town Children’s Scholarship Foundation is proud to present, A Cape Town Shakedown on Thursday, November 20th, 2008 at Studio Gallery. This fundraiser and silent auction is an intimate and influential experience for Toronto to recognize the epidemic of poverty affecting the orphans of Khayelitsha Township. Khayelitsha, located outside of Cape Town, is the most poverty-stricken townships in South Africa; AIDS infiltrates and ruins lives of the locals, unemployment grows each year, and as many as 14, 000 orphans wander the streets alone. The Cape Town Children’s Scholarship Foundation believes that education is the single greatest tool we can use to eliminate poverty.

The Cape Town Children’s Scholarship Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable foundation registered with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Proceeds from A Cape Town Shakedown will help us award these potential-filled orphans with a series of academic scholarships to attend Waldorf schools in Cape Town. Waldorf education carries an internationally distinguished reputation of quality and is endorsed by the United Nations. Our children are empowered with the knowledge, creativity and ability to become leaders within their struggling communities. Students benefit from the comprehensive approach to education, the sensitivity of teachers, and the elimination of racial segregation.

Studio Gallery is an apt location for The Cape Town Children’s Scholarship Foundation, because of the desire of both parties to explore human capability through the arts and education. Both organizations are captivated by the power of human expression. The ability of artists to aid in scholarship tuition for orphaned children is a powerful feat, one which will also help these struggling communities. Together, the two organizations will work simultaneously to raise funds and send as many children to school as possible. Proceeds will be raised by way of private donation and silent auction. All auction items are generously provided by local artists and businesses.

Julia Deakin's Oh Ex opens at the Emporium on Thursday, November 20th

2008-11-12T18:17:00.004-05:00

Julia Deakin's Ex Oh exhibition will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest, #74) on Thursday, November 20th from 7PM-11PM (artist will be in attendance). The exhibition will also be open Friday, November 21st to Sunday, November 23rd from 12PM to 6PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment thereafter from Monday, November 24th to Wednesday, November 26th.

About Ex Oh-
Julia Deakin is a Toronto-based visual artist. Ex Oh is a collection of new mixed media paintings that are contradictions of themselves. Deakin's paintings are cynical yet optimistic, frustrated yet happy, reflective yet charging forward and nostalgic about the past yet lusting for new experience. Ex Oh is a love note to life.

Artist Statement-
Ex Oh is a love note to life. At its core, it is an appreciation for the wild, unexpected twists of life, and the teeter-totter of struggle and success. For me, 2008 has been a year of immense growth; major setbacks became new opportunities, mysteries became realities, decade-old questions became epic answers, love was lost, new friends were found, beloved family members passed on, attachment was reckoned with, and maybe most importantly, I learned to let go. In the context of these massive life events, I created the paintings you see here now. They are a continuation of my past ruminations on anxiety and faith, as well as the beginning of a whole new story.My paintings tend to be contradictions of themselves: cynical yet optimistic; frustrated yet happy; reflective yet charging forward; nostalgic about the past yet lusting after new experiences. My work is very personally symbolic and introspective in nature, and intentionally left vaguely mysterious and open ended – the viewer is encouraged to bring his or her own experiences, introspections, and conversations to each piece."

Artist Biography-
Julia Deakin, a 2002 Honours graduate from the Ontario College of Art and Design, is a visual artist that lives in the Parkdale neighborhood of Toronto. Fully enamored with her neighborhood, Parkdale is a rapidly changing place with loads of history. It is also home to an interesting cross-section of people from a huge range of places, circumstances and life experiences.

Interested in both people's relationships with each other and with themselves, Deakin is inspired by change, renewal and the unexpected. Her work is informed by personal experiences and draws inspiration from folk tales, mythology, mystery, instincts and animal behavior, psychology, and a nostalgia for the implied or imagined histories of objects and people. You can see more of Deakin's work here.

For more information click on the eflier above or visit the Emporium's website here. This is our last exhibition of the year so come on out if you're in Montreal, Ben Pobjoy

Hey Montreal- SNAP! Magazine Issue #4 Launch Party this Thursday!

2008-11-10T11:47:00.004-05:00

SNAP! Magazine is launching its 4th issue this Thursday at Coda (4119 St. Laurent). Free drinks will be served from 9PM-11PM. SNAP! is a great Montreal-based magazine ran by great people. Click the eflier above for more information. Support this, Ben Pobjoy

Mercedeez Bendz's Hey There Girl track to play on New Zealand television

2008-11-06T14:50:00.005-05:00

Domino Records just sent us the paperwork to have Mercedeez Bendz's Hey There Girl produced Yo Majesty track played on a Kiwi show called 'The Jaquie Brown Diaries.' For those of you who don't know, Mercedeez Bendz is the production name of Shawn Butchart- the Art Director of Switzerland CS and the Emporium Gallery. We're pretty happy to learn that music that was made in our office will be aired on television- on the other side of the world! You can learn more about the Jacquie Brown Diaries here. Pretty cool, Ben Pobjoy

New Drunkula video now online!

2008-11-06T14:12:00.004-05:00

Drunkula, one of our favorite bands from Toronto, just uploaded their new video. If you like late 80's classic Sunset Strip Rock and Roll, you'll love Drunkula. You can see the video here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Emporium Gallery website updated with 3 new Virtual Tours

2008-11-06T14:08:00.005-05:00

The Emporium Gallery website has been updated. We have uploaded virtual tours for the recent When I Get Back Home, Sanza-Hanza, and the Art of Getting Along exhibitions that we ran. You can see the Emporium Gallery website here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Hayden Menzies at the Emporium Gallery!

2008-10-29T19:09:00.005-04:00

Hayden Menzies' Things Change exhibition will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest, #74) on Thursday, November 6th from 7PM-11PM (artist will be in attendance). The exhibition will also be open Friday, November 7th to Sunday, November 9th from 12PM to 6PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment only from Monday, November 10th to Wednesday, November 12th.

About Things Change-
Hayden Menzies is a Toronto-based artist. His exhibition at the Emporium Gallery will feature new artworks created specifically for his Things Change exhibition. Exploring such themes as hope, anxiety and duality, Menzies is set to exhibit mix media paintings that combine acrylic, pastel, charcoal, ink, and graphite.

Artist Statement-
"My work deals with various subject matters but most commonly explores themes of family, stability, security, home life along with immediate issues that affect me personally. Larger issues are often integrated into these topics but are done so through experiences and examples that I can relate to personally- and, shed personal sincerity and conviction into issues that seem microcosmic, but lend themselves quite easily to a macrocosmic mentality. " - Hayden Menzies

About Hayden Menzies-
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1979, Hayden Menzies moved frequently as child due to his father's service in the military. After living in many Canadian and European cities, Menzies settled in Ottawa for a number of years. After high school, he focused on art- studying at both the Ottawa School of Art and Concordia University in Montreal. Hayden Menzies currently lives and works in Toronto, Ontario. To see more of Hayden Menzies' artworks click here.

For more information click the eflier above or visit the Emporium website here. Hope to see you there, Ben Pobjoy

Hey New York City- TV Books Series Launch

2008-10-15T22:06:00.005-04:00

Tim Barber's TV Books will be releasing new books by Kenneth Cappello, Allan Macintyre, Jason Nocito, Robin Schwartz and Jaimie Warren at a special 'launch' event on Thursday, October 16th from 6PM - 9PM at the Aperture Gallery and Bookstore (547 W. 27th St., 4th floor) in Manhattan. All artists will be in attendance. If you live in Manhattan, you'd be crazy to miss this. Click on the eflier above for more information. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Kit Malo's the Art of Getting Along exhibition

2008-10-15T22:02:00.004-04:00

Kit Malo's the Art of Getting Along will open at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest, #74) on Thursday, October 23rd from 7PM-11PM. The exhibition will also be open Friday, October 24th to Sunday, October 26th from 12PM to 6PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment from Monday, October 27th to Wednesday, October 29th 2008.

About the Art of Getting Along-
Through the non-narrative storytelling of imagined (or real) beasts-on-paper, Kit Malo's artworks explore notions of what it means to get along- be it with each other, in this vast landscape known as the daily-grind, or simply through the minor and major melodramas we encounter as we go.

Artist Statement-
An analytical beast by nature, my practice centres around inquisitive and humourous treatments of the 'community encounter' and the ways in which subsequent documentation and re-documentation of daily lived events can challenge or confront ideas of reality, truth, and perspective. My illustrative works speak to an (potentially) unspoken shared experience, from a very instinctual, immediate place within.

About Kit Malo-
Kit Malo is a stubborn donkey who likes pencil and pen scratches a bit too much. An illustrator active in the Montreal arts scene for quite some time, Malo has recently been pursuing live-action/animation sensor-based installations after completing a BFA in Classical Animation this past spring.

While maintaining a home base in Montreal, Malo has exhibited around the world- from Finland to Mexico and back. Works from this beast of a person can be seen gracing the cover of new albums by Snailhouse and Gentleman Reg, as well as on some backstreets and alleyways. Currently, Malo is having a blast co-curating Art Pop, Pop Montreal's visual arts festival. You can see more of Malo's artworks here.

For more information click the eflier above or visit the Emporium website here. Hope to see you there, Ben Pobjoy

Bob Kronbauer is awesome!

2008-10-15T21:42:00.016-04:00

Our pal Bob Kronbauer, who exhibited at the Emporium Gallery last fall, has unleashed a great 'is awesome' blog project. The idea is that a wide range of people from various cities post on city-specific blogs which are all linked. The interface is great and you can easily check out what's happening in different cities. The cool thing is that you get to learn about 'under the radar' events, shops and places thanks to local contributions by natives from each city. The Vancouverisawesome, Torontoisawesome and Montrealisawesome and Calgaryisawesome blogs are already live with the Oshawaisawesome blog to launch soon. To check this out click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Hey Toronto- Bad Day Issue #2 Magazine Launch Event next week!

2008-10-09T14:31:00.005-04:00

Bad Day will be launching their second issue at Studio Gallery (294 College) on Thursday, October 16th from 7PM-12:00AM. Bad Day is a fantastic magazine that I would urge you to check it out. It's a really great read and the event looks awesome. To see Bad Day's website click here. For event information, click the eflier above. Support this, Ben Pobjoy

Sanza-Hanza by Jamie-James Medina and Matthew Salacuse opens at the Emporium next week!!!

2008-10-08T15:50:00.009-04:00

Sanza-Hanza by Jamie-James Medina and Matthew Salacuse opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest, #74) on Thursday, October 16th from 7PM to 11PM. The exhibition will also be open from Friday, October 17th to Sunday, October 19th from 12PM to 6PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment on Monday, October 20th and Tuesday, October 21st.

About Sanza-Hanza-
Jamie-James Medina and Matthew Salacuse are New York City-based photographers. Taking its name from a Zulu-dialect term for King Surfer, Sanza-Hanza is a collection of photographs that Medina and Salacuse took of train surfers in Soweto, South Africa. Human and beautiful, Sanza Hanza will surely be a thought provoking exhibition.

Artist Statement-
Soweto is South Africa's largest ghetto, a sprawling stretch of townships on the outskirts of Johannesburg. With an estimated population of one million, this former centre of the anti-apartheid struggle faces chronic problems of poverty and overcrowding, and remains a notoriously dangerous place to live.

It is here where you’ll find Train-Surfing, the semi-suicidal act of climbing outside, on top and under the city's public trains while in full-flight. Born in the early Nineties out of a restless desire to embrace life (and death) after years of oppression, Train-Surfing has evolved into something of an underground sport, not unlike skateboarding in the 1970’s.

‘Sanza-Hanza’ follows V.I.R.U.S. (Very Intelligent Riders Usually Survive), a gang of young Surfers searching for the ultimate ride or ‘play’, as they call it, testing their already weak embrace on mortality.

About Jamie-James Medina-
Jamie-James Medina is a 26-year old London-born, Bangladesh-bred, New York-based photographer. He has shot features and cover-stories for every major UK-broadsheet.

He supports the Arsenal Football Club, the Miami Dolphins, the Pittsburgh Pirates and, for the sake of argument, the Ottawa Senators. You can see more of Medina's work here.

About Matthew Salacuse-
Matthew Salacuse is a native New Yorker who has been shooting for 9 years- for magazines such as XXL, Spin, Blender and Maxim. He holds the record for shooting 6 covers of the Canadian hip hop magazine, Pound.

He has had solo gallery shows at New York's Wall Space gallery and the Jack Spade store. He also participated in a group show at the Museum of Sex.

Salacuse, firm but fair, is proud to be showing his work in Canada for the first time. You can see more of Salacuse's work here.

For more information click on the eflier above or visit the Emporium Gallery website here. Thanks, Ben Pobjoy

Dave Arnold's Man International opens next week at Blizzarts!!!

2008-10-08T15:34:00.005-04:00

Dave Arnold's Man International exhibition will open on Monday, October 13th from 8:30PM - 11PM at Blizzarts (3956A Boul. St. Laurent). The exhibition can also be viewed October 14th - October 26th from 9:30PM - 3:00AM. Man International is presented by the Emporium Gallery, Switzerland CS and Blizzarts.

About Man International-
Dave Arnold has once again prepared an exhibition of mammoth proportion. Man International is a collection of 50 new paintings executed in Arnold's signature pop art style.

Celebrating a bygone era when men were men, Man International will indubitably excite babes and distress baby men throughout the land.

50 original paintings for $50 each!

About Dave Arnold-
Dave Arnold was born and raised in Oakville, a cruel settlement just minutes from sunny Toronto! In 2003, a frustrated Arnold went five hours East in search of a new world; a world where creativity was King; where the buses ran on Sundays; a world where the female was inexplicably hornier than the male. Find that world he did, and it was in that world, that a young man, put brush to paint, and paint to canvas, and canvas to screw in the wall, and screw in the wall to little plastic doohickey that keeps the screw from popping out of the wall.

Hope to see you there, Ben Pobjoy

John Baizley

2008-10-01T22:23:00.006-04:00

Beyond handling guitar and vocal duties in Baroness, John Baizley is one of the most talented 'heavy music-oriented' visual artists around these days. His artwork, which combines a 'texture-heavy' style popularized by Pushead (Brian Schroeder) and the fluid sensibilities of Alfons Mucha, has adorned countless album covers in recent years. Baizley's work is consistently technical and consistently interesting. You can see more of John Baizley's work here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

The Emporium Gallery website has been updated

2008-10-01T18:10:00.004-04:00

The Emporium Gallery website has been updated! All current programming is now listed (there's 4 exhibitions this month alone!). In addition, you can now see the virtual tour for Dennis Chow's the Horrible World of GlamNation exhibition- this can be accessed from the toggle bar that is in the right hand corner of the website's main page. You can see the Emporium Gallery website here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

When I Get Back Home opens at the Emporium this FRIDAY!!!

2008-10-01T18:01:00.001-04:00

When I Get Back Home by Scott Lewis, Jim Holyoak and Matt Shane opens at the Emporium Gallery (3035 St. Antoine Ouest, #74) THIS FRIDAY from 7PM - 11PM. The exhibition will also be open from Saturday, October 4th to Sunday, October 5th from 12PM to 6PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment on Monday, October 6th through Wednesday, October 8th. This exhibition is part of Art Pop 2008.

About When I Get Back Home-
Scott Lewis, Jim Holyoak and Matt Shane are Montreal-based visual artists. When I Get Back Home is a collection of black and white ink drawings that detail dream-like architecture, creatures, and landscapes. Working together on each drawing, When I Get Back Home is as much about final artworks as it about the interesting collaborative process that produces them.

Artist Statement-
A successful collaboration is one where each artist's individual style remains distinct, and simultaneously works to create a coherent whole. To do this is not easy. In solo work, art is a place where the Artist is King, whereas collaborative work requires co-ordination, compromise and the ability to deal with circumstances not of one's own. All collaborations are balancing acts, just as every conversation is. The best ones engender a new kind of magic, something that one could never create alone.

About Scott Lewis-
Born in the dusty plains of Alberta in 1981, Scott Lewis spent his childhood living deep in the pines. Relocating to BC in his formative years, Lewis studied the arts at both the University of British Columbia and the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Lewis later moved to Montreal to further his studies at Concordia. Having called Montreal home for over 5 years, Lewis has been a true contributor to the local arts scene- he has exhibited numerously, runs the Storyboard Label and plays in Barn Burner.

About Jim Holyoak-
Having grown up in Aldergrove, BC, Holyoak developed a deep appreciation of the natural world, and also a clear idea of what to do with a rainy day indoors: the exploration of his interior universe. Diagnosed with some generic learning disability in his youth, Holyoak had a horrible time with the mechanics of reading and writing - drawing became his way of telling stories. Having recently returned from an apprenticeship with a master ink painter in China, Jim has now begun his MFA at Concordia.

About Matt Shane-
Matt Shane was born in Vancouver, BC in 1981 and raised in Tsawwassen, BC. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in 2004, then moved to Istanbul to teach and draw all day. He now lives in Montreal, plays drums in a band, works at a bookstore, and tries desperately to find time to paint and draw.

For more information click on the eflier above or visit the Emporium Gallery website here. Hope to see you there, Ben Pobjoy

The Foot Fist Way

2008-10-01T14:41:00.007-04:00

Danny R. McBride is one of my favorite up and coming comedians. The Foot Fist Way is a hilarious comedy that McBride (who was in Pineapple Express) stars in- you should check it out. It's awkward, crude and has amazing dialogue. You can see the film's website here. Ben Pobjoy

Paris Photo 2008

2008-09-30T15:24:00.007-04:00

Paris Photo, the world's premier fair for still photography, is taking place November 13th-16th at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris' 1st arondissement. I had the privilege of attending the fair last year (when Italy was the guest of honour) and both myself and Switzerland CS' Art Director, Shawn Butchart will be there this year (when Japan will be the guest of honour). If you're a fan of photography, I'd strongly urge you to attend Paris Photo if ever have the chance. To check out the Paris Photo website click here. Ben Pobjoy

Hey Montreal- Free Dark Meat show this week

2008-09-29T20:25:00.008-04:00

Vice and RVCA are kind enough to offer a free Dark Meat show this Wednesday at Club Lambi (4465 St. Laurent). Doors open at 8PM and bands go on at 9PM. You can RSVP here. Dark Meat are an awesome 17 piece psychedelic punk free jazz band from Athens, Georgia that you should check out. To hear Dark Meat click here.

Hey Toronto- Jesse Harris and Niall McClelland exhibition

2008-09-29T17:22:00.004-04:00

Jesse Harris, who exhibited at the Emporium this past summer, is exhibiting with Niall McClelland outside of #2 Rusholme Dr. on Saturday, October 4th in Toronto. The exhibition begins at 9PM and will go late. It's a Harris exhibition so it's going to be good. Check this out, Ben Pobjoy

New Diesel promotional video for their XXX party

2008-09-28T19:02:00.003-04:00

Diesel has killed it with this new promotional video for their upcoming XXX party. I know this is getting viral but I thought I'd share it anyway, Ben Pobjoy

Hey Montreal- Art Pop begins this week!

2008-09-27T19:33:00.009-04:00

Art Pop, the visual arts component of Pop Montreal, begins this week. There's a lot of great exhibitions to check out. For more information on Art Pop programming visit the Art Pop website here. Support this, Ben Pobjoy

Dennis Chow's Emporium exhibition propped by Vice

2008-09-27T19:19:00.007-04:00

If you live in Montreal and didn't attend the opening for Dennis Chow's the Horrible World of GlamNation at the Emporium, you really did shit the bed. His Emporium exhibition, described by Vice as "well worth the trip to St. Henri [where the gallery's located in Montreal]," is open tomorrow (Sunday) from 12PM-6PM- it's the last day the exhibition is open to the public. Chow's exhibition is a really fun, bold exhibition. You can read what Vice wrote about Dennis' new exhibition here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Rick Froberg

2008-09-27T18:52:00.004-04:00

Besides having been a member of seminal bands like Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes, Rick Froberg is also an amazing illustrator. His work borrows heavily from imagery that was widespread in post-WW11 American comics. However, his illustrations are very much original and stylized- and, also quite humorous. To see more of Froberg's illustrations check out his website here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Dennis Chow's the Horrible World of GlamNation opens this Thursday at the Emporium!!!

2008-09-23T17:07:00.003-04:00

Dennis Chow's the Horrible World of GlamNation opens at the Emporium Gallery THIS THURSDAY from 7PM to 11PM. The show will also be open from Friday, September 26th to Sunday, September 28th from 12PM to 6PM. Private viewings will be available by appointment on Monday, September 29th through Wednesday, October 1st.

About the Horrible World of GlamNation-
Dennis Chow is a Toronto-based graphic designer and illustrator. The Horrible World of GlamNation is a collection of illustrative work dedicated to 1980's popular culture, comics, horror movies, the occult, the working class and the forgotten. Comprised of screen prints, photo copies and giclee prints, The Horrible World of GlamNation will be anything but horrible.

Artist Statement-
I am a popular culture junkie and I can't help it. In my head, there are archives and archives of useless knowledge; things such as popular television sitcoms, low budget music videos, unsuccessful corporate mascots, horror movies, local bikini pin-ups, fad products, teenage subcultures and tabloid media sensations- the list goes on and on.

It is quite obvious that my interest in these things manifest themselves within my artworks. I hope to show the viewer how these seemingly obscure and unimportant references have greatly influenced modern society.

About Dennis Chow-
Dennis Chow (aka GlamNation) is a Toronto-based visual artist. Having grown up in the 1980's, Chow has long been influenced by the many obscure aspects of popular culture. His work is heavily decorated with traces of humour, horror, raunch and attitude. The honesty of his subject matter is often praised as much as it is criticized, though the end result is always something that keeps the viewer interested. Dennis Chow's website can be seen here.

For more information click on the eflier above or visit the Emporium Gallery website here. Hope to see you there, Ben

Fuck You Los Angeles!

2008-09-23T12:10:00.014-04:00

I went to LA last week so that I could get out of the office for a few days. I got mondo burned on a ticket (never book 3 days in advance) but it was worth it- I got out of the office, got to see old friends and made some new friends. And, I was introduced to the music of the Flash Express and the Superbees- two ripping LA bands that you should check out if you like Rock and Roll. Here's more on the bands-

The Flash Express is a gnarly three-piece Rock and Roll band that is as garage rock and as they are a soulful. If you like the Blues Explosion, the Stooges and anything on the 'In the Red' record label, you'll dig the Flash Express' dirty, gritty, catchy brand of Rock and Roll. To check out the Flash Express click here.

The Superbees are the sonic exemplification of worn denim and black leather riding jackets. If you dig MC5, you'll fucking love the Superbees. Just listening to them makes me want to get shitty and pump my fists in a crappy club that smells like shit.To check out the Superbees click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Miles Collyer

2008-09-19T14:32:00.006-04:00

Miles Collyer is a Toronto-born, OCAD graduate. His photographic work is interesting- it often reconfigures contemporary, almost iconic conflict images (I.E.Ds, EZLN masks, etc) in a personal repositioning- where said images are removed from conflict and introduced into personal, conflict-less scenarios. You can see more of Collyer's work here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Persopolis

2008-09-19T12:42:00.004-04:00

Persopolis is an intelligent, beautifully animated film based on Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel of the same name. The film brilliantly captures the intersection of history with that of the family. It's an enjoyable film that you should check out, Ben Pobjoy

Sweetspot names the Emporium Gallery one of the best galleries in Montreal!

2008-09-17T20:05:00.007-04:00

Sweetspot.ca recently named the Emporium Gallery as one of the best art galleries in Montreal adding that we are "pushing the envelope with a strong contemporary vision." You can see the kudos here. Thanks Sweetspot, Ben Pobjoy

Weird Science

2008-09-17T19:16:00.005-04:00

Weird Science was on TV last night and it is still a funny flick. Watch this on a rainy day and you'll shit your pants with laughter, Ben Pobjoy.

New Patrick Tsai Website!

2008-09-17T18:23:00.006-04:00

Patrick Tsai, who exhibited at the Emporium Gallery last fall, has launched a new website. We couldn't be happier as we're a big fans of Tsai's photography- which documents the many facets of life in a very human, intimate way. To see Patrick Tsai's new website click here. Check it out, Ben Pobjoy

New Pee-Wee Herman Movie!

2008-09-17T17:30:00.006-04:00

I saw Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman) in Hollywood last Saturday and he said that he's making a new Pee-Wee Herman movie. I wish I had more info to share but that's all he said. So, cross your fingers- a new Pee-Wee Herman movie is coming. I'm stoked, Ben Pobjoy

Glynis Selina Arban

2008-09-11T15:27:00.006-04:00

Glynis Selina Arban, who exhibited at the Emporium Gallery last fall, has just launched a new blog which features her amazingly beautiful portraits as well as personal musings on her work, travels and family. Arban is one of our favorite fashion photographers so check her out. Her blog can be found here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy

Want to win an insane amount of musical gear?

2008-09-11T14:52:00.005-04:00

Our pals at Vice Canada informed us about a ridiculous contest that is currently taking place online. If you play music, you should enter this contest. Up for grabs is a slew of gear from Marshall, Hagstrom, Vox, Digitech, Pearl, Korg, Sabian, Samson, Washburn and Hartke (there's too much to name). Anyway, all you have to do is email wintheband@jamindustries.com and provide your contact info, mention how you read about the contest in Vice and provide a 50 word minimum explanation as to why you want to win the gear (pictured above). Jump on this! Ben Pobjoy

Hey Toronto- the Beaver Tales: Canadian Art and Design Exhibition opens next week

2008-09-11T13:59:00.006-04:00

The Beaver Tales: Canadian Art and Design exhibition opens Tuesday, September 16th at the University of Toronto Art Centre (15 King's College Circle). Beaver Tales showcases both emerging and established designers and craft makers, alongside seminal artists who spearheaded the tradition of interpreting and celebrating Canadian countryside and wildlife in their artwork. The exhibition showcases works by our favorite Canadian designer, Rob Southcott (his United We Stand design is pictured in the official promotional materials for the exhibition) as well as works by stalwarts like Frank Gehry and many others. If we were in Toronto we'd surely attend the opening! For more information click here. You'd be nuts to miss this! Ben Pobjoy

Rob Southcott

2008-09-11T13:47:00.008-04:00

Rob Southcott is Toronto-based industrial designer that is exceptionally talented. His designs are as artisanal and organic as they are sophisticated and contemporary. Southcott excels at maximizing the sheer beauty of the natural materials he uses while reconfiguring said materials into stunning designs which have ingenious usages. Whether he is working with laminated ash or birch veneer, Southcott pairs the warmth of natural materials with the ubiquitous cool of modern industrial design- it's top fucking notch. To see more of Southcott's work click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy