L’art urbain, as we know it here in Quebec, is not to be mistaken for vandalism. For street art in its entirety goes beyond your typical anarchist Circle-A or incomprehensible scribble serving as an artistic signature, seen sloppily sprayed on walls from Bangkok to Berlin. Street art is art, not vandalism; and it is this distinction, inexistent or simply overlooked by most, that has spurned groups like Montreal-based Fresh Paint Gallery into action. The project aims at promoting and supporting street art and artists alike primarily through exhibitions and events. And if one event sticks out among the rest it is their original concept, Les Beaux Dégâts.
Literally meaning ‘beautiful damage’, Les Beaux Dégâts are a series of art battles that have been ongoing since their debut a year ago, and their formula which has awarded them a stellar reputation within Montreal’s urban community is a simple one: take a select few of Montreal’s most prominent or up-and-coming street artists (generally working in small crews); throw them into a venue that serves as a work station and as a symposium for their audience; read out the rules and start the timer.
One of the final art works created at the 8th Edition of Beaux Degats at Foufounes Electriques
Beaux Dégâts boasts unique features that have set them apart from your average paint-off; namely, the democratic form of electing the winning artists, where the public vote for their favorite works throughout the night by using empty PBR cans. The crews are not only inclined to perform artistically, but also to engage their crowd; competing amongst themselves, certain teams gave out posters in exchange for cans, while others relied heavily on their street cred. Coupled with prominent local DJs who drop heavy beats to which an easy-going congregation can jam and drink to, it isn’t difficult to understand the appeal behind Beaux Dégâts.
Teams preparing their works at the 8th Edition of Beaux Degats at Foufounes Electriques
There are no prizes here. For Fresh Paint, “these battles bring us back to the reality of the artists and street artists, which is one of community, accessibility, and sharing.” And we couldn’t agree more having seen it ourselves. Hosted at Foufounes Electriques nightclub, the 8th edition of Beaux Dégâts served as our first-class initiation to the world behind the enchanting array of urban art that decorates our city. The crowd was a masterful work of art itself, with arguably more ink under peoples’ skins than on the canvases themselves.
Foufounes Electriques, the venue for past Beaux Degats events, as well as the upcoming 10th Edition
on the 29th of May
During the short interval we got acquainted with Bruno Rathbone, a key member of IronAxe, the crew who went on to take the edition that night, having successfully amassed the greatest pile of crushed cans. Surrounded by other avid admirers on Foufounes’ smoking terrace, he gave us his number and later accepted to host us in his home studio in St. Henri. And so we found ourselves on a pleasant spring afternoon knocking on the door of what was ultimately a stranger’s home and workplace. Greeting us cheerfully, and letting us up the stairs, we entered Ali Baba’s cave of street art; original artworks leaving no corner of wall uncovered, tools of the trade stashed all around the apartment, and of course an unlimited flow of coffee to fuel their artistic credo. Antonin Lambert (aka Axe), Bruno’s roommate and fellow member of IronAxe, joined us bearing freshly brewed cups.
Member of IronAxe, Antonin Lambert, in his home-studio in St. Henri
Trademark K6A logo, seen on the streets of Montreal
The pair started their journey on the street art scene young; at the ages of fifteen, they were already using the city’s walls as an unlimited gallery. Although their routes differed, they were both able to enjoy being part of what they described to us as a second kind of generation of graffers: those who amidst the starting hype around l’art ubain, before it blew up into an industry in itself. At a time when there was less artists competing on the streets, it became possible for them to make a living out of their art through small various small contracts, anything from apparel designs to promotional posters. They formed a collective named K6A with other Montreal-based artists, also teaming up with hip-hop musicians and producers.
Montreal’s unique atmosphere enabled them to follow their artistic ambitions. Indeed, there is a degree of cultural tolerance that distinguishes our city from the atmospheres found in other global street art hubs. That Montreal witnesses such a constant flow of people from all corners of the globe fuels this unique crossbred ambiance among artists here, echoing the Fresh Paint credo, strongly based in principles of community. In contrast to bigger cities, notably New York and Paris, Montreal doesn’t suffer to the same degree from a heavy competition, where there is a stronger incentive for artists to move off the streets and into art galleries. Here, everyone in the game knows one another, and K6A for Bruno and Antonin is both a close-knit family of over twenty and their professional network of artistic entrepreneurs.
While most serious street artists have indeed faced legal charges, our two artists understand the risk and seem to both cherish their independence. Not particularly driven by political motives, as other big names in the game, they are not looking to focus their work on social critique. For these members of IronAxe, being a graffer is already a statement, recalling an identity influenced by marginalization and anarchist principles. And when it came to discuss the question of becoming commercial, they replied by highlighting the fact that the groundwork will remain the same: “It’s not because Punk music moved from the Sex Pistols to Simple Plan that the initial revolt idea changed anyhow.” Branding can be one orientation for a professional graffer: Given that no one is paying for this type of artistry, recognition turns into currency.
The products of a generation emerging after the purist graffers but before the business-oriented ones, they consider themselves careerists; they had to create their own demand in order to equilibrate the imbalance between their artistic ideals and their economic realities. Such a career path requires certain compromises, both artistically and financially, but both Bruno and Antonin clearly do not regret the paths they tread. They’ve been their own bosses since high school.
Participating in Beaux Dégâts is rewarding (and IronAxe not only took the title for the 8th edition but for the first five too!), but these two, whether working under IronAxe, K6A or as individuals, always have many projects both in mind and underway. They are constantly trying to ameliorate their painting techniques, and juggle with a variety of themes. While certain trademarks they have in common, notably their raccoon and crossed plasters, Bruno has explored an array of ideas and styles, namely a project based on a medical-oriented theme, while Antonin generally specializes in cartoons and caricatures. Often, they will collaborate on projects with other artists, like musicians who need artwork for their album covers. They like to compare themselves to the “Transformers”: depending on the project, one becomes the head and the other the body, in order to successfully give birth to their artistic creation.
IronAxe’s winning piece at the 8th Edition of Beaux Degats at Foufounes Electriques
Bruno and Antonin are artists, unburdened by the enshrouding mystery of wondering from whom their next cheque is coming from. When we asked them about the appeals of commercial artistry and success, they agreed that the millionaire lifestyle wasn’t their deal; they’re just kicking it as chillionaires for the time being. The next Beaux Dégâts is on the 29th of May, once again at Foufounes Electriques on St. Catherine. Tickets are $5 at the door before 9pm. While IronAxe hasn’t confirmed participation, the event is sure to be a crowd-thriller and anyone who wishes to come support the initiative or simply have a fun night drinking and becoming acquainted with local artists is encouraged to show up!
-PAUL GRELON & SOPHIE CHAUVET
