May 24 - June 30, 2001
Ulysse Comtois (1931-1999)
Dessins inédits

The Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery of Concordia University was pleased to present the exhibition Ulysse Comtois (1931-1999) Dessins inédits from May 24 to June 30, 2001.

This exhibition was organized and circulated by le Musée du Québec. It presented a selection of 80 drawings by the acclaimed Quebec artist Ulysse Comtois which were donated to le Musée du Quebec by his companion, the artist Louise Masson. The works on paper in the exhibition were produced between 1949 and 1993 and offer a compelling trace of the artist's career, representing a unique facet of his overall production.

After completing his studies at the École des beaux-arts in 1949, Ulysse Comtois became associated with the Montreal Automatistes, with whom he exhibited regularly. His fifty year career spanned two continents including exhibitions in Montreal, Toronto, New York, Paris and Italy. Ulysse Comtois represented Canada at the Venice Biennale in 1968 and was the recipient of the Prix de la province de Québec in 1964 and the Prix Paul-Émile Borduas (Prix du Québec) in 1978. His work forms part of major public and private collections in Canada and abroad, including The National Gallery of Canada, le Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, le Musée du Québec and The Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery, Concordia University.

The exhibition was curated by Denis Martin, Conservateur des arts graphiques et de la photographie at le Musée du Québec. An illustrated catalogue accompanied the show.

Ulysse Comtois (1931-1999)
dessins inédits Installation view. Seen in the foreground:
Arche / Arch, 1964, acrylic and wood.
Work selected from the artist's studio