2018 - Page 4 of 11 - LUXE MAGAZINE - Real Estate | Design

Ed Fornieles – A post-internet artist whose stock is rising

At 34, Ed Fornieles is among contemporary art’s most influential young artists. Focused on digital culture, Fornieles works in a range of media, such as sculpture, installation and performance, to make work distinctly of our age. Curators, collectors and critics alike have taken notice, and his work has appeared in the New Museum and Arsenal Contemporary in New York City, as well as in the Serpentine Gallery in London. In his recent body of work, titled The Finiliar, the British-based artist dares his viewers to look at markets differently.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE FINILIARS?

Finiliars are cute little entities whose emotional and physical states are tied to data. Data can be anything from stocks, to shares, to rainfall, to your favourite hockey team. As value increases, so does the Finiliars’ well-being, and conversely, a dip in value results in sickness or even death.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER THEM DIGITAL PETS?

In a sense they are, but to care for them is never the responsibility of an individual. Instead, their well-being is tied to the actions of many.

AND THEY’RE CUTE LIKE PETS…

Yes, the design team did a lot of research into what would elicit empathy in the viewer. This is why the proportions, although cartoon-like, are similar to those of a human baby. The viewer can’t help but respond to and feel for them.

AND THE ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FINILIAR?

It’s a mix of ‘familiar’ and ‘financial.’ However, I’ve heard theories connecting it to ‘fini’ as in end, and ‘liar.’ But, I can’t really say.

SO, IF FINILIARS CATCH ON, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU… WORLD DOMINATION?

[laughs] Actually, a bank has recently shown interest in using a Finiliar for personal banking, as a different way for people to relate to their finances. To be honest, I can’t stand looking at my balance, but perhaps the ‘cutified’ interface of the Finiliar can create a different kind of relationship, one that takes into account the very real psychological aspects of someone’s finances. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather say ‘hello’ to a cute, cuddly friend than to a numeric value.

See more of Ed Fornieles’ work at Galerie Division.

ED-0

The 2018 Montréal International auto show: a successful 75th edition

The 75th Montréal International Auto Show (MIAS) was held from January 19 to January 28, 2018, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The theme: “Enter the Revolution.” This year, the MIAS proved again why, since its very beginnings, it has always been the top spot for unveiling automobile revolutions in Quebec and Canada. LUXE magazine was there.

The MIAS was off to a strong start, kicking off the show with its Charity Preview event in a decor retracing Montréal’s automobile history from 1914 to today. With a full house, the event raised more than $7 million, including the impressive amount of $947,198 given to six charities.

The ten days of the show were also a success. Highlighting a historical milestone, the Mecca for auto fans presented close to 500 models of vehicles this year. Elegant automobiles from Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Karma Revero, Lamborghini, Lotus and McLaren were greatly admired by the many visitors strolling down the show’s passageways.

The 2018 Lexus NX Compact SUV, an elegant and spacious luxury model with the imposing presence of an SUV and the dynamic agility of a sports car, was also on display for the public. Remember that in November of last year, the brand had organized a “master class” for the launch of this model, inviting a dozen in uencers to test drive the model and to meet Montrealers who are rede ning the standards of some of the most competitive industries in the city. These Montréal masters represented, each in their own way, one of the four core values of the Lexus brand, namely daring design, innovative technology, Omotenashi (the art of hospitality), and Takumi craftsmanship (the perfection of an art).

The MIAS organizers calculated everything so that the event would be a success: in addition to the vehicles, each more beautiful than the next, several virtual reality activities, test drives (notably, of more than 40 electrical and hybrid car models), and racing games were offered to the public.

In the Performance Zone, fans of modi ed cars could treat themselves to two rooms over owing with close to 25 unique cars, with one room in particular revisiting 75 years of car mod history.

Plus, the 75th MIAS reached a record high for automaker unveilings, with ve North American premieres, about forty Canadian premieres, and several concept cars making their debut.

www.montrealautoshow.com

Quartier des spectacles partnership: Montréal art on the world stage

After its rst full year, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership’s program for the export of its public art installations is a clear success: to date, six works produced and premiered in Montréal have been presented in 20 cities at 25 cultural events and festivals, and have been seen by millions of people in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

For the last year, installations produced by the Partnership, whether based on light, sound, participation or interaction, have been entertaining audiences in the world’s great capitals and cultural events. Their export helps extend the life of the works, raises their creators’ pro le and serves as an exceptional platform for showcasing Montréal, UNESCO City of Design, contributing to the city’s emergence as a global capital of digital art and creativity.

Impulse is a ne example of international appreciation, having been immensely successful in London, Chicago, Brussels and Lugano, followed by stops in ten more large European, American and Canadian cities. After its world tour, the installation comprising a series of illuminated, sound-producing seesaws, created by Lateral Office and CS Design, will return to the Place des Festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles on November 30, 2017, and will remain until January 28, 2018.

A SUCCESS STORY POINTING TOWARD NEW MODELS

A year after the Partnership launched the new program, every work currently offered for export is now on display in another city: Loop in Lugano, Iceberg and Îlot de chaleur in Detroit, Prismatica in Scottsdale and Niagara Falls, Entre les rangs for a second time in Durham, England, and Impulse, in the cities listed below. The Partnership now plans to step up the production of works created and premiered in Montréal before being offered for export, helping meet growing demand.

Increased production of new works will also attract creators who have not yet explored the design of installations or public artworks. The goal is to stimulate the creation and exhibition of original works that give a range of audiences compelling experiences that transform their relationship with the city.

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership’s productions are recognized for their quality and ability to spark the interest of a diverse audience, thanks especially to their participatory nature and their universal and inclusive themes. The Partnership’s works are highly appreciated by citizens because they create opportunities to meet and share; they also help build the kind of relationship cities want to build with their residents.

Photos: © Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles / Ian Cameron / Jacques Kuba Séguin — Quartier des Spectacles Partnership / Ian Cameron / Jacques Kuba Séguin

Tremblant’s 24h: a groundbreaking record for the 17th edition

Tremblant’s seventeenth 24h fundraiser, which took place December 7 to 9, has reached new heights. The initial goal was to beat last year’s record of $3.25 million. Mission accomplished! A total of $3,868,742 was raised for three major organizations: the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, the Senators Foundation and the Fondation Tremblant.

Tremblant’s 24h is a sports challenge to raise money for three major foundations dedicated to children’s causes. During 24 hours, relay teams of 6 to 12 participants took part in one of three sports: skiing, walking and running. Inaddition, major concerts and a host of activities took place over the weekend to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone.

UNITED FOR THE CHILDREN

In addition to the thousands of participants, visitors and donors, a number of celebrities, companies and organizations came together for the cause of sick or disadvantaged children.

This year, Tremblant’s 24h was once again able to count on a team of outstanding ambassadors. Benoît Gagnon, Philippe Fehmiu, Anne-Marie Withenshaw, Erik Guay, Alexandre Bilodeau, Alexandre Despatie, Lianne Laing, Dominic Arpin and Frédéric Plante helped expand the event and give it a special touch.

Major concerts like the one starring Mélissa Lavergne and her guests and a memorable performance by Simple Plan encouraged the brave troops facing winter conditions and fatigue.

Tremblant’s next 24h has already been confirmed forDecember 7, 8 and 9, 2018.

A FEW NUMBERS

• 3,317 participants on 366 teams

• More than 18,000 ski runs

• 48,000 kilometres run or walked by participants, i.e. four times the earth’s diameter!

• 350 volunteers, 11 ambassadors, 9 sponsored children

Photos: courtesy of Tremblant’s 24

Di Carlo Couture: Tailor-made haute couture designs

Who has never dreamed of wearing a beautiful dress that lights up the room on her wedding day or at an important event? Antoinette Di Carlo turns this dream into a reality with one-of-a-kind tailor-made designs she creates in her atelier in Montréal’s Little Italy.

Antoinette Di Carlo worked in the ready-to-wear industry for 15 years as a designer and saleswoman in turn. Once in a while, bored with mass production, she would make bespoke evening gowns for her own customers outside of her working hours. “I felt limited in my creativity. Haute couture gives you that freedom to create,” explains the designer. In 2011, she made her decision: she left her job and founded her business, Di Carlo Couture.

Six years later, the young woman is on her way to becoming the darling of Montréal’s elite. Red carpet and society function regulars from here and abroad place orders with her, and top stylists choose her designs for magazine covers. It’s clear that doing business with Antoinette guarantees a dress like no other, since each one is unique and tailor-made. “People often tell me about trends, but I don’t want to follow them. I want to start them!” says the artist.

© Christina Esteban

ULTRA-PERSONALIZED SERVICE

Every piece is in fact the result of several months of work. From the first consultation to the choice of fabric, including three fittings, Antoinette works in close collaboration with her customers. “People often come to me with an idea. Together, we refine the concept. My showroom serves as astarting point for style and fabric choice.”

By combining several different fabrics (organza, tulle, embroidery, lace, etc.) and playing with transparency, her dresses present sophisticated silhouettes that are agenuine ode to femininity.

As several of her creations were worn at the last Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony, and having just returned from Toronto and London, Antoinette already has countless other projects in mind, such as taking part in the New York Fashion Week next year. From what we’ve seen so far, we have no doubt her wish will come true.

www.dicarlocouture.com

Cover: © Monique Weston

To read, to listen to, to go see

To read

The story of an improbable friendship

Long awaited by critics and the public after the enormous success of En attendant Bojangles (Waiting for Bojangles), Olivier Bourdeaut’s second novel surpassed our expectations. This time, the author takes us to the heart of the salt marshes in Guérande, Brittany. There, afriendship is forged between two men as different from each other as can be, tied together by an absurd promise and, at the same time, a mutual fascination. As the story progresses, an atmosphere like that of a quirky crime novel settles over readers and holds them on the edge of their seats until the end. An absolute must-read.

Pactum salis by Olivier Bourdeaut, Éd. Finitude. Instores February 6 in French

A chilling crime novel

Who killed Elisa Bjarnadóttir, a young Icelandic housewife with no dark past? With a silent seven-year old girl as the only witness and the only clue a strange set of numbers written by the murderer, the police have a difficult job ahead of them. But the investigators don’t have any time to lose; a monster roams the streets of Reykjavik. Voted best detective novel of the year in Denmark and Iceland, The Legacy is a striking Machiavellian thriller.

The Legacy by Yrsa Sigurdardóttir — Volume 1 inatrilogy, Éd. Actes Sud (in French)

Sensitive and intriguing

Inspired by a short story written several years ago, Hugues Corriveau dives back into the themes that are dear to him: wounded childhood, unwitting crimes and broken innocence. With profound tenderness, La fêlure de Thomas looks deep into the soul of a child who has been doubly hurt and unveils the fertile imagination ofchildhood.

La fêlure de Thomas by Hugues Corriveau, Éd. Druide, Écarts collection (in French)

An exceptional first novel

This first novel by Lize Spiugely has been successful in Dutch and Belgian bookstores. Skipping between the past and the present, the author takes us along on the quest of a young girl who thinks back on her miserable childhood. The story starts in 1988 with the birth of three children, Eva and two boys. They were friends until their teenage years, when their relationship started to deteriorate. Thirteen years later, the young woman returns to her hometown…with a block of ice. An impactful novel, served well by hyperrealistic, uncompromising writing.

The Melting by Lize Spit, Éd. Actes Sud

Love in all its forms

In this, the month celebrating love, there’s nothing like learning about 69 legendary couples that have embedded themselves into our imaginations. From Rimbaud and Verlaine to Yoko Ono and John Lennon to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Rey paints a picture of love in all its forms, as it is found in every generation and domain (literature, music, cinema, fashion, etc.).

Amour: Les plus belles histoires by Nicolas Rey, Éd. De la Martinière

TO LISTEN TO

Women, I love you

Accompanied by the Orchestre symphonique de Laval under Music Director Alain Trudel, Marie-Josée Lord personifies the opera heroines of Verdi, Puccini and Massenet in this new album. The Canadian soprano enchants us once again with her warm, stirring voice. Femmes will be launched at the Montréal en Lumière Festival on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at the Théatre Maisonneuve.

Femmes by Marie-Josée Lord and the Orchestre symphonique de Laval, ATMA Classique

TO GO SEE

2017 Canadian Biennial

The fourth edition of the Canadian Biennial will display a selection of works of contemporary Canadian and First Nations art acquired recently as well as, for the first time ever, international works of art. The exhibition is bringing together over 50 artists and more than 100 pieces of art from a broad range of contemporary types of creation—painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, print, video and installations.

On now and until March 18, 2018, at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

A delicious romantic comedy

Paris, 1836. The Duchess of Antan, an art lover who’s bored of the countryside, invites trendy artists over to her estate. Composers Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin, as well as painter Eugène Delacroix and poet Alfred de Musset, come to visit. Then, someone shows up unexpectedly: the scandalous George Sand. Her presence raises tensions and sparks romantic misunderstandings. In this play, playwrightMarie-Josée Bastien pays a vibrant homage to the genius of these flamboyant artists. Created at the Théâtre La Bordée in Québec City, the play is being shown for the first time in Montréal in a new production by Stéphan Allard starring, among others, Myriam LeBlanc, Maxim Gaudette and ÉmilieBibeau.

www.rideauvert.qc.ca

Text: Diane Stehle

Cover: Nick Cave, Soundsuit, 2015, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa © Nick Cave, with the permission of the Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Photo: MMFA.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2017

This year’s was the 16th Art Basel Miami. The modern and contemporary art fair is held at the beginning of the winter, when everybody is happy to escape to a warmer climate.

A WINTER FAIR IN THE SUN

For a week, the whole art world migrates to Florida, and Miami Beach becomes the most radiant capital of the arts. Art professionals and collectors, amateurs and neophytes come to see a great selection of artworks, the many attractions of the fair and its satellites. There is much to see and buy: multiple sites in the city partake in the flurry of events and exhibitions. This year, the fair coincided with the grand opening of the new Institute of Contemporary Art and of the renovated Bass Museum of Art.

The local art scene welcomes the art world’s snowbirds with open arms but also great expectations. It is an opportunity to raise money and make the best impression so that the following year will attract even more visitors.

A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

Miami Beach is renowned for its night life as much as its blue sky and perfect shores. During Art Basel, thecity becomes a perpetual movable feast. All parties are invitation-only, but you just need to dress the part to get in. The Mondrian Hotel is always exquisite, and many of the art dealings happen on its poolside. Buyers are always ready to go, sales are strong and parties are thrown to celebrate. Various juries and prizes take place during the fair. This year, three emerging artists were shortlisted for the BMW Art Journey: A.K. Burns, Jamal Cyrus and Mariela Scafati. Their projects will be funded and you can follow them on www.bmw-art-journey.com.

www.artbasel.com/miami-beach

Text: Barbara Stehle

The best places in Montréal for happy hour

After a long day of work, it’s great to go for a drink with friends or colleagues. And if you can snack or even enjoy some delicious dishes at the same time, that’s even better. Here are several suggestions for the perfect way to end the workday.

MAISON CLOAKROOM

Located on De la Montagne Street in a beautiful building, Maison Cloakroom houses a tailor shop offering high-end ready-to-wear clothes, a British-inspired barber shop, and a speakeasy-style bar. This establishment, which opened in 2015, offers high-quality made-to-measure artisanal cocktails. Whatever your tastes, Andrew Whibley, renowned mixologist, will happily concoct a cocktail with your preferred alcohol, adding ingredients made in-house and perhaps some freshly pressed citrus fruit. The ice, hand-carved to the dimensions of your glass in a single piece, will keep your drink nicely chilled. Cocktails served beginning at 3:00 p.m, with 25 seated spots available.

www.maisoncloakroom.com

BAR GEORGE (LE MOUNT STEPHEN HOTEL)

Positioned at the heart of the prestigieux Le Mount Stephen Hotel (see our article in this issue), Bar George opened its doors last year in May. It offers a British-inspired menu in a sublime decor, in the heart of downtown. Seared mackerel, Icelandic cod, beef Wellington: these dishes are perfectly executed under the leadership of chefs Anthony Walsh and Kevin Ramasawmy, who creatively combine British cuisine with the flavours of Quebec. On the cocktail side of things, the menu was placed in the hands of acclaimed mixologist Maxime Boivin (La Fabrique à Boire). Also inspired by the British, the beverages are an absolute delight, like the Golden Square Mile Sour, named in homage to the historical district once populated by British aristocrats, where the building is located.

www.bargeorge.ca

BAR FURCO

Located downtown in a former fur warehouse, Furco is an ideal bar for unwinding after work with colleagues or friends. Itserves organic wines and cocktails of all sorts. The bar also has a varied menu, which chef Joëlle Trottier changes every week. Roasted duck heart, gilt-head seabream tartare, braised veal shoulder, or a platter of cold meats: everything is delicious and the servings are generous. The kitchen is open until midnight, and there are a hundred seats available.

www.barfurco.com

ATWATER COCKTAIL CLUB

Located behind the Foiegwa diner at the centre of St-Henri, this local bar with a muted, welcoming ambiance has a seasonally-inspired menu that includes around twenty cocktails developed by chef and co-owner Christophe Beaudoin-Vallières. You can also taste a selection of dishes offered by Foiegwa (croque-monsieur, croque-madame, rib steak with fries, cheeseburger, etc.) as these two establishments share the same kitchen. Aunique location to discover.

www.atwatercocktailclub.com

DOM PÉRIGNON BAR (RITZ-CARLTON MONTRÉAL HOTEL)

Unique in Canada, the Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar is mainly dedicated to Champagne. Enthusiasts, take note! It offers awide selection of Rosé and Brut Dom Pérignon champagnes, by the glass or by the bottle. It also offers delicious cocktails, spirits, and tapas-style hors d’oeuvres made in-house. Located in the Ritz-Carlton’s famous Palm Court, its decor is enchanting and its ambience is stylish and laid-back.

www.ritzcarlton.com

LA CHAMPAGNERIE

A bar but also a restaurant, La Champagnerie offers a wide variety of cocktails and bubblies (cavas, Champagne, sparkling wine). It is renowned for its sabering performance upon the purchase of any bottle of bubbly; this ritual, presented in the traditional manner by an experienced waiter, is worth the detour. Once the bottle is sabered, you can even keep the cork as a keepsake or put it on the well-populated wishing wall. The establishment regularly welcomes groups, which are offered a choice between a light cocktail supper (five to six morsels per person) or a heavier one (ten to thirteen morsels per person).

www.lachampagnerie.ca

THE KEG STEAKHOUSE + BAR (PLACE VILLE-MARIE)

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar opened the doors of its first restaurant in Vancouver in 1971. Having expanded throughout Canada and into the United States, it now includes more than 100addresses. Although its name and decor have changed through the decades, the fine dining experience has remained the same. The Keg always offers exceptional service and quality meals in a pleasant environment. The specialty of the house is its offering of tender aged steak. Also on the menu: classic cocktails, superb starters, seafood and a wide variety of wines.

www.kegsteakhouse.com

NACARAT BAR (FAIRMONT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH)

Nestled in the heart of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, which reopened its doors this summer after a complete renovation, Nacarat Bar serves appetizing cocktails in a glam rock decor, with a unique view of Place Ville Marie’s esplanade. Mixologists allow their inspiration to run wild in crafting stunning drinks. Behind the counter, these artists are the masters of liquids just as chefs are of ingredients. The menu includes a vast selection of local beers. Inventive small dishes are also offered according to the season. Last but not least, cocktail lovers have the opportunity to practice their skills by taking one of the courses offered.

www.barnacarat.com