Gilles Labranche paints what he sees - the city. Of course urban scene painters are almost as numerous as landscape artists in the artistic milieu, but Labranche stands out as the one who bravely informed prominent art critic Guy Boulizon that he preferred winter to summer and the city to the country.

The city and its components pose no threat to Labranche; on the contrary, they are allies in a living source of constant inspiration. . This artist does not make posters or blueprints; instead, he chooses a subject that suits the size of his canvas. He is a master in choosing parts of walls and then omitting whatever does not interest him.
Gilles was born in the Montréal neighborhood of Saint-Henri in 1947. His social milieu not only made him independent but also made him dream of a world beyond the next block. Nevertheless, he remains a downtowner who identifies with his visions of the city.

Labranche was already painting by the age of 10. He enrolled at the Montréal School of Fine Arts, but lasted only two weeks there. It was just not for him. Instead he opted for studio arts at the Académie des Arts du Canada for three years. He then spent four years making the rounds of local advertising agencies as a graphic artist. His day job did not srop him from painting and taking part in Gallery shows in Montréal, Québec, Saint-Sauveur, New York City and Paris.

Disclaimer