Convergence Divergence + Gargantua la sorcière

The exhibition

From September 20 to 29, 1985, the Galerie de l’UQAM presents the first exhibition of artists’ books published by UQAM. It brings together two works produced by UQAM professors and collaborators from outside the university. The first book, entitled CONVERGENCE DIVERGENCE contains engravings by Mel Boyaner and Giuseppe Fiore. The second, GARGANTUA LA SORCIÈRE, is a book-object that brings together woodcuts by Francine Beauvais and a poem by Hélène Ouvrard. These productions were made possible thanks to a grant from the institutional financial assistance program for researchers and creators of UQAM (CAFACC).

This first exhibition of artists’ books edited by UQAM is the result of a long hoped-for multidisciplinary spirit. This joint presentation by UQAM professors and artists demonstrates that it is not only possible within the institution, to achieve the osmosis between research and creation, but that it is also desirable that such an experience develops and asserts itself. Moreover, the Galerie de l’UQAM has always insisted on maintaining this dual perspective: one, naturally turned towards the internal activities of the institution and the other, constantly on the lookout for external events that clarify the Galerie’s purpose and justify its existence.

Convergence Divergence

CONVERGENCE DIVERGENCE is printed in thirty-five (35) copies and includes ten (10) engravings by Mel Boyaner and Giuseppe Fiore, who respectively teach lithography and painting at UQAM. The volume also contains a semiological analysis by Jean Arrouye, professor of semiology at the University of Provence, on the five (5) lithographs by Fiore. Louise Letocha, professor of art history at UQAM, analyzes Boyaner’s lithographs. Finally, the general presentation of the book is provided by Marcel Saint-Pierre, professor of art history at UQAM; while Arthur Gladu, who teaches design at UQAM, produced the typographic editing. The case is made by Pierre Ouvrard.

Gargantua la sorcière

GARGANTUA LA SORCIÈRE is a co-edition of Éditions du Noroît and UQAM. This very original book-object includes, in addition to the engravings of Francine Beauvais, professor of engraving at UQAM, a cassette. Hélène Ouvrard’s poem is read by Monique Karsenty, with music by Ghislaine Schurch. The recording of this tape was made by the audio-visual service of UQAM, under the direction of Yves Racicot.

The typographic composition of GARGANTUA LA SORCIÈRE is by Martin Dufour and the prints were made by Danielle Blouin. The binding is the work of Pierre Ouvrard. Forty-five (45) copies are printed and are distributed by Éditions du Noroît.