For an overture to the Papier 11 art fair I suggest you swing by Galerie Lilian Rodriguez for the fantastic survey of the art of drawing titled Dessin à Dessein. This exhibition showcases some of the most well-known Montreal artists from Marc Séguin to Dil Hildebrand.

While the vast majority of the drawings on display are created on paper, some artists experiment with more eclectic materials such as the dreamy works on canvas by Massimo Guerrera or the delicate geometric marks punched into plaster casts by Michael Robinson.

The exhibition is a kaleidoscope of subject matter and style, but each artwork is fascinating. It is incredibly inspiring to see the many approaches to drawing the artists have developed, which reach far beyond the tedious academic study.

Among my favourites were Adrian Norvid’s irreverent watercolours, the dark and quirky drawings of Natalie Reis, the ephemeral scribblings of Daniel Lahaise, the artfully damaged stitched grid drawings by Lucie Robert, and the mildly menacing renderings of Trevor Gould.

I bet you a coffee that after seeing this show you’ll experience the irrepressible urge to crack open your sketchbook.

Galerie Lilian Rodriguez, space 405
group show of 35 artists
Dessin à Dessein
April 9 – May 28, 2011
www.galerielilianrodriguez.com