NORMAN LALIBERTE: INSIDE THE MIND OF A MAKER

301 Gallery

Inside the Mind of a Maker is a document and a fiction, a retrospective and interpretation, of the consciousness of the prolific artist, Norman Laliberté. The stage is set as a cartographic journey through the years and various materials used throughout Laliberté’s career. The forty-two banners displayed in the gallery range from the 1960s to the 2000s and represent his numerous explorations of form and content, from completely abstracted color studies to pictorial likenesses resembling ancient hieroglyphics. Figures, flora, fauna, gods, and ghosts dance upon the tapestries portraying tales and vignettes as complex as the great sagas of antiquity. Think of your time in the labyrinth as a hero’s quest; venture into the banners and experience the intricacies inside the mind of maker…you might be surprised at what you’ll find!

Biography:

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts of French Canadian parents, Norman Laliberté grew up in Montreal, returning to the U.S. to complete his education in Chicago. He first achieved international recognition as the design consultant for the Vatican Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair of 1964.

His 88 banners were an ingenious solution for an all-glass building with virtually no walls. Using the vibrant play of colour and light, Laliberté creates cheerful, energetic interpretations on themes of love and frolic, joy and plenty, that are highly symbolic and evocative. His abundant talents have been the subject of over 100 solo shows across America and Canada.

His work can be found in over 75 major public and corporate collections, including some of the most prestigious such as the Smithsonian Institute, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Collection, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He has also been the author of over twenty books on many aspects of contemporary art. Still active, Laliberté lives and works in Nahant, Massachusetts.

Special thanks: Norman Laliberté, Laurel Laliberté, Kristian Laliberté, and Jan Saragoni

Press:

Norman Laliberté, The Ticket: What's Happening in the Local Arts World, Cate McQuaid, Boston Globe

Exhibit of artist Norman Laliberte banners at Montserrat College, Beverly Patch