Exhibition: RIOPELLE, the sculptor
His inspirations, the foundries, and friendship
The Musée du Bronze d’Inverness presents a unique exhibition that sheds light on the sculptural work of Jean Paul Riopelle by exploring his inspirations and his relationships with foundry workers and fellow artists.
His inspirations
The exhibition immerses us in the abundant imagination of Jean Paul Riopelle: the wild forests of France and Canada inhabited by bears, owls, moose, elk, wild boars, and farm animals. References to the Kings of Thule and the game of capture the flag enrich this imaginary quest.
Jean Paul Riopelle brought his inspirations to life through various techniques: bronze, etching, pastel, charcoal, mixed media, India ink and silverpoint, oil and collage.
the foundries
In an atmosphere evoking the artist’s studio, where sculptures engage in dialogue with paintings and graphic works, this exhibition introduces us to the world of art foundries in France, Italy, and Canada, where Riopelle’s works were cast.
Through an educational display, all the stages of bronze casting are presented and projected in images: mold, wax, plaster, and bronze.
THE friendship
The exhibition pays tribute to the friendships Riopelle maintained with artists and artisans—an essential foundation for sharing, working, and creating.
Bronzes by his friend Roseline Granet, a sculptor with whom he shared the Meudon Foundry in France, are featured alongside works by his friends Sam Szafran and Paul Rebeyrolle.
Riopelle dreamed of creating a foundation that would give artists access to engraving, ceramics, sculpture, and foundry techniques, while celebrating the vital role of artisans.
Riopelle, the Sculptor traces a profoundly human artistic journey and a precious body of expertise.
Curators: Yseult Riopelle and Sabrina Raby
Soundtrack by Suzie Gagnon, soundscape designer and composer.
Partners: Manoir du Lac William, Fonds de développement communautaire d’Inverness, Municipalité d’Inverness, MRC de l’Érable, Desjardins, Fonderie d’art d’Inverness inc., Catalogue raisonné de Jean Paul Riopelle, Galerie Simon Blais et Hydro-Québec.
Informations:
Musée du Bronze d’Inverness
A museum institution dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of the historical, cultural, artistic and technical aspects of Québec foundry art.
May 4 to October 5, 2025
1760, rue Dublin, Inverness, Québec