René Lemay

A pluridisciplinary and self-taught artist, René Lemay (1934-2015) has made his mark in contemporary realist painting for over 25 years. In any medium, he favoured expressions of joy and life over academicism. First in drawing and watercolour, and then in acrylic, etching, lacquer and bronze sculpture, his work celebrates the here and now. His pieces have been featured in individual and collective exhibitions in North America and Asia, in many galleries and in public and private collections.

Born in Montréal in 1934, Lemay felt a strong inclination toward the arts since his early childhood. Despite this, he practiced various trades before finally giving free rein to his passion in 1983. He learned ceramics and lithography and, in the 1970s and 1980s, founded an artisanal pottery studio and a publishing company. He followed this atypical path back to the visual arts, later earning a reputation as a watercolourist.

In 1990, he participated in his first of many professional exhibitions. His subsequent work in acrylic is known for its vibrant hues, its liveliness and its expressions of delight. In the 1990s, Lemay began travelling extensively. These travels marked a turning point in his artistic journey, as can be seen in his cho...

Bronze Sculpture - Mr Hoc Bao | Vietnam | 2012
Lacquer - Fine Art University | Vietnam | 1998-2000
Engraving - Evelyn Dufour | Canada | 1995-1996

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

Sea Museum | Canada | 2018
Michel-Ange | Canada | 2013
Carpediem Galleries | Thailand | 2010
Joie de vivre Art Exhibition | Thailand | 2010
Vie Hotel | Thailand | 2010
Sofitel Silom | Thailand | 2007
Viet Fine Art Gallery | Vietnam | 2006
Carpediem Galleries | Thailand | 2006
Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic | Canada | 2005
L'Harmattan Gallery | Canada | 2003
Basque Gallery | Canada | 1991 & 2001
Klimantiris Gallery | Canada | 1994-1995 & 1998
Café de la Grave | Canada | 1994
Aird Gallery | Canada | 1991

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

À Marée Basse Gallery | Magdalen Island | 2017
Michel-Ange Gallery | Montreal | 2017
Hommage Symposium de peinture figurative de l'Étang-du-Nord | Canada | 2016
Belvedere Gallery | Singapour | 2014
Michel-Ange Gallery | Canada | 2011
Exposition Agenda Art Quebec | Canada | 2010
Michel-Ange Gallery | Canada | 2010
Celebrations | Canada | 2010
L'Harmattan Gallery | Canada | 2003-2012
Michel Ange Gallery | Canada | 2004-11
Arma Museum | Indonesia | 2004
Hanoi Fine Arts University | Vietnam | 2003
Symposium de peinture figurative | Canada | 1998-2003
Symposium mer Oceane | Canada | 1998-2000
Klimantiris Art Gallery | Canada | 1992 & 1998
Galerie Basque | Canada | 1997...