Library

Library is a collection of paintings by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber that explore the human condition through simple handwritten fonts on book covers. The paintings are part of an ongoing series started in 2009 and are displayed on brightly colored hardboard. The simplicity of the shapes and text evoke an immediate but lasting profundity, with each piece causing one to wonder about the thoughts that roam their consciousness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly

Library is a captivating collection of paintings by two of Canada's most influential contemporary artists, Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber. From the simple premise of the book title emerges a series of images that are both laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking. The collection features book covers adorned with titles painted in simple handwritten fonts, displayed on brightly coloured hardboard. Each book forms part of an ongoing series that Dumontier and Farber initiated in 2009.

In Dumontier and Farber's Library, titles such as "I Lost the Human Race," "Change Your Relationship to Your Unchangeable Past," and "I Have a Medical Condition That Makes It So I Don't Have to Talk to You" offer surprising and astute observations, all in the duo's characteristic deadpan style. The simplicity of the shapes and text evokes an immediate but lasting profundity, with each piece causing one to ponder the thoughts that roam their consciousness and the books that take up residence on their and our shelves.

Dumontier and Farber are founding members of the influential art collective the Royal Art Lodge, and have been collaborating on art projects for over fifteen years, exhibiting internationally. Library is playful and insightful as it pokes and prods at the human condition.

The paintings in the collection showcase Dumontier and Farber's unique artistic vision, combining elements of abstraction, realism, and humour. The duo's use of bold colours and simple forms creates a sense of playfulness, while their witty captions and observations offer a deeper understanding of the human experience.

One of the standout pieces in the Library is "I Lost the Human Race." The painting features a group of stick figures, each with a different expression and posture, seemingly engaged in a game of charades. The title is a play on the idea of human competitiveness and the pressures of societal expectations. The painting is filled with vibrant colours and intricate details, creating a sense of energy and movement.

Another notable painting is "Change Your Relationship to Your Unchangeable Past." The painting depicts a woman sitting on a park bench, surrounded by trees and flowers. The title suggests that we can learn to accept our past and move forward, rather than dwelling on the things that cannot be changed. The painting is filled with soft colours and gentle textures, creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

"I Have a Medical Condition That Makes It So I Don't Have to Talk to You" is a satirical take on the idea of social interactions and the pressures of small talk. The painting features a man wearing a mask and sunglasses, seemingly avoiding eye contact with others. The title is a play on the idea of introversion and the desire to be left alone. The painting is filled with bold colours and intricate details, creating a sense of humour and playfulness.

Overall, Library is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary art. The collection offers a unique perspective on the human condition, combining humour, insight, and creativity in a way
Library is a captivating collection of paintings by two of Canada's most influential contemporary artists, Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber. From the simple premise of the book title emerges a series of images that are both laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking. The collection features book covers adorned with titles painted in simple handwritten fonts, displayed on brightly coloured hardboard. Each book forms part of an ongoing series that Dumontier and Farber initiated in 2009.

In Dumontier and Farber's Library, titles such as "I Lost the Human Race," "Change Your Relationship to Your Unchangeable Past," and "I Have a Medical Condition That Makes It So I Don't Have to Talk to You" offer surprising and astute observations, all in the duo's characteristic deadpan style. The simplicity of the shapes and text evokes an immediate but lasting profundity, with each piece causing one to ponder the thoughts that roam their consciousness and the books that take up residence on their and our shelves.

Dumontier and Farber are founding members of the influential art collective the Royal Art Lodge, and have been collaborating on art projects for over fifteen years, exhibiting internationally. Library is playful and insightful as it pokes and prods at the human condition.

The paintings in the collection showcase Dumontier and Farber's unique artistic vision, combining elements of abstraction, realism, and humour. The duo's use of bold colours and simple forms creates a sense of playfulness, while their witty captions and observations offer a deeper understanding of the human experience.

One of the standout pieces in the Library is "I Lost the Human Race." The painting features a group of stick figures, each with a different expression and posture, seemingly engaged in a game of charades. The title is a play on the idea of human competitiveness and the pressures of societal expectations. The painting is filled with vibrant colours and intricate details, creating a sense of energy and movement.

Another notable painting is "Change Your Relationship to Your Unchangeable Past." The painting depicts a woman sitting on a park bench, surrounded by trees and flowers. The title suggests that we can learn to accept our past and move forward, rather than dwelling on the things that cannot be changed. The painting is filled with soft colours and gentle textures, creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

"I Have a Medical Condition That Makes It So I Don't Have to Talk to You" is a satirical take on the idea of social interactions and the pressures of small talk. The painting features a man wearing a mask and sunglasses, seemingly avoiding eye contact with others. The title is a play on the idea of introversion and the desire to be left alone. The painting is filled with bold colours and intricate details, creating a sense of humour and playfulness.

Overall, Library is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary art. The collection offers a unique perspective on the human condition, combining humour, insight, and creativity in a way.

In Dumontier and Farber's Library, titles like "I Lost the Human Race," "Change Your Relationship to Your Unchangeable Past," and "I Have a Medical Condition That Makes It So I Don't Have to Talk to You" offer surprising and astute observations, all in the duo's characteristic deadpan style. The simplicity of the shapes and text evokes an immediate but lasting profundity, with each piece causing one to wonder about the thoughts that roam their consciousness, and the books that take up residence on their and our shelves.

Dumontier and Farber are founding members of the influential art collective the Royal Art Lodge, and have been collaborating on art projects for over fifteen years, exhibiting internationally. Library is playful and insightful as it pokes and prods at the human condition.

The paintings in the collection showcase Dumontier and Farber's unique artistic vision, combining elements of abstraction, realism, and humour. The duo's use of bold colours and simple forms creates a sense of playfulness, while their witty captions and observations offer a deeper understanding of the human experience.

One of the standout pieces in the Library is "I Lost the Human Race." The painting features a group of stick figures, each with a different expression and posture, seemingly engaged in a game of charades. The title is a play on the idea of human competitiveness and the pressures of societal expectations. The painting is filled with vibrant colours and intricate details, creating a sense of energy and movement.

Another notable painting is "Change Your Relationship to Your Unchangeable Past." The painting depicts a woman sitting on a park bench, surrounded by trees and flowers. The title suggests that we can learn to accept our past and move forward, rather than dwelling on the things that cannot be changed. The painting is filled with soft colours and gentle textures, creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

“I Have a Medical Condition That Makes It So I Don't Have to Talk to You” is a satirical take on the idea of social interactions and the pressures of small talk. The painting features a man wearing a mask and sunglasses, seemingly avoiding eye contact with others. The title is a play on the idea of introversion and the desire to be left alone. The painting is filled with bold colours and intricate details, creating a sense of humour and playfulness.

Overall, Library is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary art. The collection offers a unique perspective on the human condition, combining humour, insight, and creativity in a way that is both playful and thought-provoking.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 185 x 185 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781770464124