CHAMP LIBRE – an artistic organization dedicated to the presentation of multimedia art and architecture announces TERRE NOMADE/NOMAD’S LAND an in- situ architectural and video intervention-event which will take place from the 15th till the 19th of June 2005 at the Place SUN YAT-SEN square, located at the corner of Clark Street and de la Gauchetière in the heart of the Chinese neighborhood of Montreal at Place d’Armes metro station. This unique artistic event constitutes the first presentation of electronic art at this public square in Montreal which was completely renovated in 2002 by the young Montreal designers / buliders collective MEDIUM.

The event will unfold through the architecture of Sun Yat-Sen square’s Chinese temple, a site whose construction was realized in Montréal from materials imported directly from China. . The artistic program aspires to be a sensitive reflection of the space creating a timeless introspection of Asian iconography. The presentation of the artworks hopes to promote such reflection and induce a contemporary dialog that addresses the artists’ conceptions of architecture and landscape as explored through the electronic arts.

Furthermore Champ Libre will present the video work TOKYO MAIGO of the Quebec film director FRANCIS LECLERC created in Japan at the time of the the flowing play les 7 branches de la rivière Ota by Quebec stage designer Robert Lepage. This impressionist video has us dive in a nocturnal and futuristic panoramic trip of the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

In addition Champ Libre will present the video work HONG KONG SONG of the French artist of international reputation ROBERT CAHEN. This artwork has been realized by a pioneer of video art in France in the framework of the French artistic and scientific Urbasonic 88. HONG KONG SONG stands as a grandiose project devoted to the research of a new sound urban planning. This video reveals itself through the visually rich and dense textures of electronic pictures as an artistic work filled with dazzling poetry, within which old and contemporary China are mixed harmoniously. This video retains its position as an important reference in the world of contemporary art to this day.

Other events/details are listed at the link below.

ASKAA is a performative installation by Dominique T. Skoltz and Herman W. Kolgen, two Montréal multidisciplinary artists who draw their inspiration from organic images and microtonal sounds. The public can move in and around the piece, made up of translucent giant video screens which launch, at random, computer-generated images coupled with sound particles. ASKAA is presented in collaboration with MUTEK from June 1 to 5. With its program of new media performances, contemporary music, theatre and experimental cinema, the Musée introduces visitors to innovative practices in contemporary art.

ASKAA is an interactive ecosystem inspired by vegetation. With this project, Skoltz_holgen have developed an evolving sound/image platform that reacts in real time to sonic influxes. Displayed on the gigantic projection screens, virtual plants can be seen in perpetual evolution, while simple impulses of sound will randomly modify their developmental process as well as their environment.

In performance mode, the installation will be amplified by the addition of guest artists. These artists, once immersed in the illuminated botanically settings, will assume the capacity to stimulate the evolving vegetation pattern with their particular styof of sonic influxes. See the website for a list of all the guest artists as well as the scedule of their performance.

For its 6th edition, Elektra is still set on introducing works and artists that crossbreed leading electronic music and visual art. Tonight, the acclaimed Sheffield, England duo Autechre will open Elektra as part of their ongoing North American tour. They will treat Montrealers to live manipulations of the angular, disjointed rhythms found on their new album. Autechre will be preceded by a live performance by snd and a set by Rob Hall. Presented in collaboration with Gillett Entertainment Group.

As one of the largest events in North America dedicated to the digital arts, Elektra is broadening its horizons for this new edition by integrating into its program interactive works set in public venues, sound installations, new media and conferences on motion design. So, Elektra also welcome Belgium’s Front 242 to Metropolis on May 14. This will be their first performance in North America in several years, a benefit show marking the eagerly awaited return of one of electronic music’s most influential groups. These pioneers of “EBM” (electronic body music) will undoubtedly wow fans with their blend of synthesized voices, military marches and pop.

Over the entire course of the event, a number of audio and interactive installations will be presented across the city.