Jimmy Deschênes builds time-machines. The light-boxes of his new series Neon District currently on display at Visual Voice Gallery conjure up the city-scapes of 1960s Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles: old-fashioned neon signs and billboards glow next to a myriad of tiny street lights; a metro station and the Expo 67 pavilions light up the night sky.

Deschênes training as a cabinet maker is evident in the skilled way he handles the complex marquetry of his pieces. He works mostly with recycled materials such as old wooden frames found in flea markets. The vintage materials he uses to construct his light boxes inform the sense of nostalgia communicated by his works. What drives the artist is a love of the city’s lost architectural treasures and his desire to preserve some of the major landmarks which often fall prey to new urban developments.

Neon District melds Art brut with retro chic, complete with a soundscape created by the artist especially for this exhibition.

Jimmy Deschênes explains what inspired him to create his Neon District series to the “Vadrouilleur Urbain” Sylvain Boucher in this interview:

For a peek behind the scenes, check out this video of a studio visit to Jimmy Deschênes’ atelier:

Visual Voice Art Gallery, space 421
Jimmy Deschênes
Neon District
March 24 – April 16, 2011
www.visualvoicegallery.com