- Eve-Marie Bilodeau

This is the beginning of an unimaginable adventure!  This is Art Shanghai.  We have no references, no roots here, nothing is similar, everything is different, everything is new.

How can I describe the emotion that I felt when this morning the company chosen by the chinese government opened our 2 crates?  Being here in Shanghai, China, in the middle of a beautiful and peaceful park – a rare oasis in such a big asian city, checking the Desjardins paintings, those that I have seen in his workshop in Montreal, being transported to our booth by Chinese people that do not speak a word of english.  It was overwhelming.

It is incredible to have the privilege of being here in China with the fabulous work of Andre Desjardins, Renzo and Tuan.  We feel blessed.  And the people of China will be amazed to discover the work of those 3 exceptional artists, starting tomorrow morning 10:00 am.

The booth mounting went very well.  The chinese staff was up to the task.  We were explaining our needs only with gestures, and surprisingly, it worked very well.  Our booth have this amazing look.  Created by Masterpiece Publishing, it is simply fabulous.  They again achieved a wonderful exhibition space.  Already, the other exhibitors have complimented the quality of the artworks that we present.  We feel very proud.  We are surrounded by galleries from all around the globe. Amazing artworks from Colombia and Venezuela are showed, just to mention those ones.  The general quality of the art is of high end.  It promises a great adventure.  Can’t wait for tomorrow morning.  This is all very exciting.  Will keep you informed.  Thank you for following us.

This year, Jean-Claude Poitras celebrates 40 years of career. A visionary and multidisciplinary designer, he has continually pushed back the boundaries of creation through his exceptional approach. He carries on his extraordinary journey by unveiling his very first India ink drawings and radiant sculptures. Galerie ROCCIA has the pleasure and the tremendous privilege of hosting the first exhibition of Jean-Claude Poitras, visual artist. You are invited to an open house on May 5th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the presence of Mr. Poitras. Welcome to all.

That’s it! Early this morning, two large crates have left California on their way to Shanghai. Galerie ROCCIA & ROCCIA Art International, in collaboration with Masterpiece Publishing will be exhibiting at Art Shanghai from May 10^th to May 14^th. This will be our first visit on the Asian continent. We will be showcasing the artwork of Desjardins, Renzo and Tuan. Many local and international collectors have already confirmed their presence to this special event, organized by ROCCIA Art International. There is no limit to what can be accomplished! Stay tune for more details on the event!

Do you wish to share a fond memory, a moving or funny story about to the Poitras clothing line? Have you ever unearthed a Jean-Claude Poitras creation in an unusual place? Has a Poitras classic been a constant companion of yours throughout the years? Do you sleep in his signature sheets? Do you and your friends gather around a good meal served in Poitras tableware? Or, do you wish to pay tribute to the international contribution of our own great creator in the world of fashion and interdisciplinary design?

Share your story here: the team of Galerie ROCCIA will select the most delightful anecdote. The winning author will be invited to spend a special moment with Jean-Claude Poitras, at the gallery. Over a glass of wine or a cup of tea, Mr. Poitras will conduct a tour of the exhibition and autograph its poster. The contest starts today, and the grand winner will be announced on June 1^st, 2012. Now’s the time to put your thoughts to paper. Good luck to all!

This year, Jean-Claude Poitras celebrates 40 years of career. A visionary and multidisciplinary designer, he has continually pushed back the boundaries of creation through his exceptional approach. He astonishes again and again, carrying on his extraordinary journey at Galerie ROCCIA, where the artist will reveal a bit of himself through the exhibition Roméo and his Juliettes, held from May 5^th to June 19.

Be sure to add this to your calendar. More information will follow…

Biography

Jean-Claude Poitras was born in Montreal in 1949. After completing classic studies, he earns a diploma in fashion design from the École des Métiers commerciaux as well as a second diploma in graphic design from Studio Salette in 1971. Even in his teenage years, he was fascinated by all aspects of design, ranging from interior to industrial design.

In 1972, Poitras opened “Parenthèse”, his first design studio. After spending three years as director and buyer at Eaton’s Adam Boutique, he introduces his first women’s line in 1977 for high-end clothing manufacturers Beverini and Auckie Sanft.  His BOF by Jean-Claude Poitras collection will be hailed by the media as well as retailers throughout Canada. In 1983, his career soars to new heights through his partnership with Importations Frank, a renowned manufacturer and distributor: the Jean-Claude Poitras collection was born. He turns to the East to manufacture his new unique silk wear designs. He introduces hand-painted designs to his silk and linen creations, redefining the notion of art in clothes.

In 1985, he expands his ready-to-wear collection to include sheepskin and leather men’s and women’s outerwear for International Trademarks Apparel, a Toronto manufacturer. New York’s Bergdorf Goodman honour his talent in their window display on 5^th Avenue.  A luxurious fur collection for Amsel & Amsel is unveiled in 1986 and he introduces his first men’s line a year later. He branches out, creating licensed fashion accessories: eyeglasses, watches, footwear, etc.

Always the visionary, he is the first designer to create exclusive men’s wear for Le Château retail stores in 1990. His endeavours at democratising fashion and making it accessible to all is considered as very bold and revolutionary at the time. In 1991, the merger of Poitras design and Irving Samuel, the biggest Canadian manufacturer will confirm his repeated efforts of bringing together the antimonic worlds of creators and manufacturers. In 1993, he revives BOF:  this collection will become his biggest retail line, co-existing in perfect harmony with his Jean-Claude Poitras high-end label. In 1998, with Colette Chicoine, Poitras opens Duo sur Canapé. The boutique’s concept, introducing a unique fashion and home collection, will win the prestigious Cadillac Fairview’s ARC award for achievement in retail concept in 1998.

Recipient of the Order of Canada and the Ordre national du Québec, JeanClaude Poitras’ talent and determination serve as model for a whole new generation of young Canadian creators. In October 2000, he receives the Griffe d’Or in homage to the successes of his 28 year career as a pioneer and always innovative and relevant creator who has charmed the fashion world for over a quarter of a century.

To celebrate his 30 years in fashion in 2002, the Éditions de l’Homme publish his biography “Jean-Claude Poitras : Portrait d’un homme de style”, written by Anne Richer. This period marks a turning point for the creator who then explores other avenues of the world of design and takes up new challenges, always off the beaten track. From his “Nota Bene design” studio, he will conceive remarquable and eclectic creations that will renew the universe of multidisciplinary design. For this exceptional creator, the future is to design without borders.

Art Expo New York was a great experience for us. The connoisseurs and art amateurs have had the chance to meet two of our amazing artists: André Desjardins and Ira Reines.

Garcia’s paintings were widely talked about and certainly one of the highlights of the event. The visitors have been transported by the richness of his colors, the strength of the contrasts, the technique and the symbolism that comes from his paintings.

The Short Film “Devenir” was presented for first the time in United States. This 20-minutes movie allows viewers to witness the birth of a sculpture by André Desjardins. Following the movie presentation, spectators were curious to see the real sculpture. Many of them stayed longer to observe the artwork in all its details, fascinated and moved after being exposed to the creation process in the movie.

We would like to thank our Montreal art collectors who came to New York to share these great moments with us. Your presence was really appreciated, we are grateful for your loyalty.

Read the media coverage for the presence of Galerie ROCCIA at Art Shanghai in May 2012. Launched in 2008, The Examiner.com is a webzine that reach more than 20 million monthly readers around the world.