From found vintage newspapers and hand-painted designs, Myriam Dion composes remarkably detailed collages. Known for reinventing newspapers into sculptural, geometric works, the Montreal artist (formerly) has recently begun experimenting with a range of found materials, such as gouache-painted samples of antique textile patterns and pages from old gardening books.
The stories that Dion brings to attention often revolve around women and their achievements. “It’s interesting to see how women are documented in the media,” she says, “especially at a time when newspapers were written by men for men and how this evolves and sometimes declines depending on the topics,” says the artist.
Through a laborious process of cutting and weaving small strips of material, Dion stitches gold leaf and adds drawing and painting details. “I also use folding techniques that allow me to create relief and a textile look in the paper,” she says. “Drawing allows me to develop patterns through repetition, which is conducive to larger installations.”
The artist currently has work on display in Timelines, her solo exhibition Arsenal contemporary in New York City, highlighting her interest in milestones such as women’s labor rights and suffrage throughout the 20th century, especially in the U.S.
“These themes are expressed in headlines in dated language that is as evocative as the crafts that Dion takes to the next level,” said a statement from the gallery. “By exploiting the metaphorical potential of ephemera, she underlines the fragility of these rights while reminding them of their importance.”
Dion has recently become fascinated by stop samplerswhich like other embroidery samples were traditionally used to demonstrate one’s knowledge and skills with various stitches. In terms of darning, a method of mending, the patterns often mimicked different weaves or knits, demonstrating that the sampler maker was able to mend a variety of fabrics.
“These are objects rich in knowledge and history; they are beautiful and very inspiring to me, both formally and conceptually,” says Dion. “These objects evoke repair and care, giving damaged substances a second life. They are indeed connected to women: traditional crafts and artisanal virtuosity, elements to which I am sensitive and which greatly influence my creative process.”
Dion is particularly attracted to the geometric features of the samplers, which she incorporates into her own compositions. Patterns and floral motifs are woven together in meticulously detailed pieces, often transforming into ornate frames for intimate-scale photographs of women cut from newspaper.
The artist recently won a commission for a large public artwork inspired by darning monsters, which will be installed in a new hospital in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Québec in 2027. Another public work will be installed next summer at Montreal’s Santa-Cabrini Hospital. .
Timelines continues through December 14. Find more information about Dion’s website And Instagram.
