Bedouin from Quebec Now Takes Up Permanent Residence
Quebec's 9th Art Blooms at Home
Finally, Quebec's vibrant comic strip scene has found a place to call its own. The Comic Strip House in Quebec City not only showcases the art form's illustrious past but also its contemporary vitality.
Located in the Sainte-Foy Historical Interpretation Centre, this residence for comics is a far cry from the confining religious dogma that once reigned within its walls. Now, the once austere presbytery walls are adorned with comic strip drawings, embodying the boundless freedom of the 9th art.
"Our goal is to exhibit the depth and versatility of the medium across eras and styles," explains Thomas-Louis Côte, Quebec BD's general director. Many have discovered the charm of comic strips in recent years thanks to acclaimed artists like Michel Rabagliati. However, they may not be aware of the rich history of Quebec's 9th art.
Run the Gamut of Evolution
The ground floor offers a tour through time, showcasing original panels and caricatures that tell the story of comic strip influence, rebellion, and evolution. The free-to-enter exhibition delves into the impact of American cartoons, the flowering of counterculture in the 1960s and '70s, and traces the thread of time up to today's recognition of Quebec's comic strip scene, both domestically and internationally. Brimming with hidden gems, the exhibition journeys from the turn of the 20th century to the present day.
A remarkable fact unearthed in this exhibition is that Quebec was the birthplace of the first comic strip with speech balloons within the francophone world. Les aventures de Timothee, created by Albéric Bourgeois, used the "balloon" as early as 1904 – almost 15 years before French comics!
In the '50s, Quebec's comic strip began to venture beyond the narrow paths mapped out by the Church. Jerry Siegel, co-creator of Superman, collaborated with Quebec artist Michel Roy to produce Ken Winston detective stories. This period marked the beginning of Quebec comics branching out.
Women Breaking the Mold
The exhibition also highlights the gradual progression of women in Quebec's comic strip community. Yvette Lapointe, who pioneered Quebec's comic strip scene before her career was cut short by marriage in 1943, paved the way for Julie Doucet, who won the Grand Prix of the Angouleme International Comics Festival in 2022, and many others.
"There's a wider variety in comics now compared to 20 years ago," acclaims Thomas-Louis Cote. "Comics have also reached maturity. Before, it wasn't considered a 'real' read. Now, it's studied in CEGEP. Giving it a house is like bestowing it with 'noble' status."
Comics for All
Rather than elevating comic art to lofty heights, the House of BD strives to make it accessible to everyone. Beyond the regularly rotated exhibits, a dynamic program featuring comic launches, author workshops, interactive activities, and reading rooms awaits both children and adults.
The neighborhood, which is home to many families and a rich cultural community, is set to embrace this new attraction. An international section may also be added within temporary exhibitions, as well as weekly creation workshops by registration.
The House serves as a shining beacon for homegrown artists who often fly under the radar. Artists like Yannick Paquet, whose work has graced Superman and Wonderman comics all around the globe, or Denis Rodier, whose The Death of Superman and The Bomb comics sold millions of copies and were translated into 21 languages, deserve recognition. Let us celebrate these unquestionable triumphs, and the Comic Strip House offers just the place to do so.
In theŹ 9th Art Blooms at Home exhibit, visitors can trace the evolution of Quebec's comic strips, from their early beginnings in the 20th century to contemporary times. Remarkably, Quebec was the birthplace of the first comic strip with speech balloons within the francophone world, with Albéric Bourgeois' Les aventures de Timothee debuting in 1904, almost 15 years before French comics.
The Comic Strip House exhibit also highlights the significant strides made by women in Quebec's comic strip community. Pioneers like Yvette Lapointe paved the way for future artists, with Julie Doucet winning the Grand Prix of the Angouleme International Comics Festival in 2022 being a notable example.
Thomas-Louis Côte, Quebec BD's general director, believes that the House of BD aims to make comic art accessible to everyone, offering rotating exhibits, author workshops, interactive activities, and reading rooms for both children and adults. This vibrant space in the heart of a families- and culture-rich neighborhood promises to showcase the vitality of Quebec's comic strip scene now and in the future, offering a pedestal for local artists like Yannick Paquet and Denis Rodier whose work has achieved international acclaim.
