basement art

Look at what I found on the door step of my second home. A copy of Upfront - Ottawa's Independent News, Music, Art & Culture Magazine. Inside, a interview with Marcus Lamoureux, where on page 25 he mentions Dane Aktison (who is he?) as a fellow participant in his newly established music and art show at the Babylon venue. Despite the fact there's no way around the typo, it will not stop a considerably fun and informative read. Look for your free copy of the September 2007 Issue at your local... shop. In the meantime, here's is an excerpt written by the art columnist, Morgan Cook...

Lamoureux's events are a great way to check out "basement art" and the undiscovered. Expect a wide variety of unconventional work using an even wider variety of media. Even more, they are a great place to connect and meet with other artists and musicians. Many venues are willing to take a chance on a band that's just getting started, Zaphod's offers Monday nights and opening bands are always needed. But for artists finding an appropriate venue when you haven't developed a CV of exhibitions, got your website going or maybe you produce "unconventional work", can be very daunting. Lamoureux's shows offer artists a great opportuinity to get out of the basement and start selling work. He feels "my mission is to help new artists and photographers show and exhibit their creative works." The only problems he encounters are when the artwork doesn't get the respect it deserves. Because the events are held in dark bars and people are drinking and enjoying the music, works have been damaged in the past. So on September 15th when you're moshing and pogo-ing your ass to Machine Gun Dolly remember you're at an art show goddamnit!

-- Upfront Magazine. Basement Art. Pages. 24-25. (click here to read article)

Reading the article, I suppose the question can't be helped about what makes a most effective scenario for new and upcoming artists to display their artwork. Obviously, some risks have to be taken. Babylon is located downtown on Bank Street, also known as the urban planners worst nightmare. I especially find on a late Saturday night, the place is fallen rampant to a depressing statistic of homelessness and drug abuse. Unless you’re inept, exploring here you'll be subjected to a number of imposing storefronts and shady individuals. Irresponsible levels of drinking? All to common here amongst the other dilemmas in the world. If a Artist like myself truly is in search of meaningful return, it's not merely to have others look at what one could bestow in amazement but to have them become a part of the creation process and inspire a new world of change built from there.