Britany Salsbury

As fashion and technology increasingly intersect, the lines between aesthetics and functionality have begun to blur. The development of such new, innovative garments is the focus of a forthcoming exhibition, "Sartorial Flux," curated by former Columbia College artist-in-residence Valérie Lamontagne. The show at Columbia's A+D Gallery features the work of eight artists selected for the interactivity of their design.

"Sartorial Flux" is the product of Lamontagne's ongoing interest in interactive and technological fashion. In addition to her curatorial work, she is a practicing artist, holding a MFA from Concordia University. Lamontagne's own work--which varies from performance to media theory--has focused overwhelmingly on the role of digital presence in art. A portion of one such work, "Peau d'ne"--which draws inspiration from a fairy tale in which a young princess requests three dresses made from impossible materials--is included in "Sartorial Flux." In response to the fabled princess's request, Lamontagne attempts to physically create the immaterial, demonstrating the potential for metamorphosis through costume.

While an artist-in-residence at Columbia, Lamontagne presented her work to the Chair of Design, who became interested in developing an exhibition around her ideas. Lamontagne had been working on technologically functional fashion--works which she terms "wearables"--for a year, as part of an ongoing project. This interest in technology has also been taken up in her academic work, as she pursues her Ph.D. from Concordia University's Special Individualized Program. Her topic, "Relational and Ubiquitous Performance Art," attempts to investigate the developing relationship between technology and performance art, as can be found in such genres as interactive audio/visual work and wearables.

In addition to her artistic practice, curatorial endeavors and academic work, Lamontagne writes about new media and performance art for such arts publications as CV Photo, Parachute and Rhizome and she has taught classes on these topics at both Columbia College and Concordia University. The breadth of her involvement is especially admirable, given that Lamontagne is expecting her first child in several months. She currently resides in Montreal, where she works, writes and is involved in the local music scene.

(2006-09-05)

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