Yoakim Bélanger | Montreal Guardian

“A Day in the Life” with: Montréal Multimedia Artist Yoakim Bélanger
Emilea Semancik, Montreal Guardian, July 10, 2024

Which ‘hood are you in?

For the past 20 years, I’ve called the vibrant Hochelaga neighbourhood in Montreal my home and workplace. It’s a dynamic area where people from all walks of life intersect and live together. My workshop serves as my sanctuary—a place where ideas thrive, evolve, and collide. Hochelaga’s multicultural atmosphere deeply influences my creative process, making it an ideal environment for growth. I feel fortunate to have such a beautiful and sunlit studio space.

What do you do?

I am a multimedia artist who is fascinated by the universality of movements, expressions, and plasticity. I employ various mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, and video, to elevate the physical appearance of humanity and celebrate its strength, passion, and grace. My unique process involves removal, sanding, and alterations on metal plates, resulting in vibrant and textured brushwork that harmoniously merges the realms of abstract and figurative, order and chaos, shade and light.

My artistic journey has been punctuated by numerous solo and group exhibitions across Canada. In 2016, I gained critical and popular acclaim for my exhibition in London. I have also participated in international fairs held in Miami, New York, Hamburg, and Toronto. My artwork graces the collections of numerous private and public institutions in Europe, the United States, and Canada. I also hold a degree in graphic design and have garnered praise for my directorial efforts in two acclaimed short films, “If I Can Fly” and “Ces femmes qui marchent,” showcased at international film festivals.