On the occasion of the 2018 “Night of Ideas”, Alliance Française de Vancouver organises in partnership with Radio Canada a roundtable, inviting the participants to discuss and reflect on this year’s theme “Power to the imagination” with a focus on Art and its influence.

At a time when painting, music, cinema or even theatre reach an even wider audience, the question of the roles of Art and of the artist is becoming more and more important. This omnipresence raises questions about the function of Art in our society. What is the relationship between Art and today’s society? To what extent can society inspire artists?  Conversely, is Art fixed in contemporary society and may it influence the world, the viewer? What place should be given to Art and to the artist?

The speakers will share their outlook using the example of the city of Vancouver. The roundtable will be moderated by Marie Villeneuve (presenter at Radio Canada).
The event will be held in French. The roundtable will be followed by a Q&A session.
Simultaneously, Thibault Sendra, French painter living in Vancouver will exhibit its works.
A reception offered by the  French Embassy in Canada will take place after the discussion.

Speakers:

Serge Guilbaut,
Professor Emeritus of Art History at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver
Serge Guilbaut has written on modern and contemporary art and especially on cultural and political relations between the United States and France.  He has published How New York Stole the Idea of Modern Art: Abstract Expressionism, Freedom and the Cold War (Chicago: University of Chicago Press) in 1983 and Voir, Ne pas Voir, Faut Voir (Chambon, 1993). He has also edited many other works and organized several exhibitions: “Théodore Géricault: The Alien Body, Tradition in Chaos in 1997, Up Against the Wall Mother Poster in 1999, and Be-Bomb: The Transatlantic War of Images and All That Jazz, 1946–1956 in 2007 (critics’ prize of the Association of Catalan Art Critics for the best exhibition of the year).

 

Jean-François Packwood,
Executive Director of the Conseil culturel et artistique francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CCAFCB)
Jean-François Packwood has been working in the BC arts and culture industry for over 10 years. Originally from Quebec, he moved in British Columbia after completing its university studies in communications and events & tourism management. He first joined the BC Francophone association network working for Théâtre la Seizième then for the Conseil culturel et artistique francophone de la C.-B (CCAFCB). Jean-François is currently the Executive Director of the CCAFCB which is the provincial francophone arts and culture organization of BC. His strong interest for the arts and culture continues to motivate his implication among the sector. With his work and personal involvement, Jean-François contributes to the development of the French-speaking artistic and cultural scene in BC. Creating and implementing cultural projects and supporting artists are two aspects he particularly cherishes.

 

Thibault Sendra,
French painter living in Vancouver 
Thibault started his artistic venture in 2000 when he entered Art School as a young 15 year old. In 2006, he began his career as an Animation Artist. Then in 2011, he moved to Vancouver and felt the urge to start painting. He painted the people in his life and surroundings.Slowly his portrait work grew into a part-time job.
Following a considerable amount of positive responses to his painting style, I decided to devote my full attention to Fine Art Painting in 2016.
Today, my pieces can be found in cities like Paris, Delhi, Dubai, Sacramento, Washington, and Vancouver.

Zohra Bonnis,
Curator & owner of Z Gallery Arts
Z Gallery Arts is dedicated to fostering the work of emerging and internationally established artists. Founded by Zohra Bonnis in 2016, the gallery aims to promote and support intellectual and visual dialogue with artists from around the world while embracing diversity across the industry.

 

If you want to participate, please confirm your presence by sending an email to  [email protected]