David II

Introduction

André Monet portrays the pop icons of our time in expressive, large-format collages. Not only does he capture our fascination with celebrity culture, but also the complexity of the stars’ individual personalities. Human, vulnerable, and exalted at the same time, these charismatic celebrities bring us under their spell.

The Canadian artist honours the late David Bowie with a portrait of unique intensity, stylishly embracing the music legend’s enigmatic aura. When selecting his subjects, Monet draws inspiration from the spirit of the times. For instance, he has created stunning portraits of Rihanna, Jay-Z, and celebrated actress Cate Blanchett.

In his incisive pop-art style, Monet reinterprets photographs in minutely detailed collages consisting of text and acrylics. The extreme contrast between light and shadow lends the faces a dramatic expressiveness. Carefully selected colour accents complete the compositions. The scraps of text, maps, and writing are not random; they are directly related to the subjects’ biographies and achievements.

In the 1980s, Monet studied art and graphic design in his hometown, Montreal. His work has since been exhibited in numerous galleries across the world. In 2011, he was commissioned to produce an image of Prince William and Princess Kate to commemorate their royal wedding. In his distinctive style, he combines handcrafted finesse and emotionality to produce glamorous portraits.

Daniela Kummle

Bio

1965	Born in Montreal, Canada
	Studied Art and Graphic Design
	Lives and works in Montreal, Canada

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

2014	VIP, Galerie DeBellefeuille, Montreal, Canada
2011	Retrospective, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada
2010	André Monet, Opera Gallery, New York, USA
2008	Brilliance of being, Thompson Landry Gallery, Toronto, Canada
2007	Caractères, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada
2006	Mouvement de masse, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada

Group Exhibitions

2015	Art Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Miami, USA
	Context Art Miami, Miami, USA
	Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, Canada
	Art Miami New York, New York, USA
	Art Palm Beach, Palm Beach, USA
2014	Impressions of Singapore, Opera Gallery, Singapore, Singapore
	The Great American Icons, Opera Gallery, Seoul, South Korea
	Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, Canada
	Expo Chicago, Chicago, USA
	Art Show Busan, Busan, South Korea
2013	Nowness!, Art Walk and Opera Gallery, Cannes, France
	The many faces of David Bowie, Opera Gallery, London, UK
	Contemporary icons, Art Walk and Opera Gallery, Oslo, Norway
	Paris Match, une histoire de couvertures, Opera Gallery, Paris, France
2012	Visage, Opera gallery, Seoul, South Korea
	Nobody else but you, Opera Gallery, Singapore, Singapore
	I want to be loved by you, Opera Gallery, Paris, France
2011	Black and White, Opera Gallery, Seoul, South Korea
	André Monet vs Jean-François Larieux, Opera Galley, Hong Kong, China
	Nuit Rouge, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada
2010	Small Sizes, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada
	Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, Canada
	Face à face, Opera Gallery, Paris, France
	Les nuits blanches, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada
2009	X-mas exhibition, Galerie Lydia Monaro, Montreal, Canada
2006	Group Show, Thompson and Landry Gallery, Toronto, Canada