“A Day in the Life” with: Montréal Visual Artist Wendy-Alexina Vancol

August 28, 2024 Star Bunzigiye Arts, Visual Arts

Wendy-Alexina Vancol is a Haitian Canadian artist based in Montreal. Her work explores themes of inclusivity, marginalization, and social issues related to black people, but she does so in her own unique style. Her art blends illustration and painting with a comic book-inspired storytelling approach, creating a vibrant and almost surreal aesthetic.

Inspiration for Wendy-Alexina’s work comes from her everyday life, finding beauty and significance in the seemingly ordinary.

Her debut solo exhibition at Maison de la Culture in NDG was a tribute to her Haitian heritage, integrating her family in a way that deeply resonated with the community. One of the pieces of that show was acquired by the city of Montreal and she was thrilled about that.

This year has been a landmark for her—she secured her first research-creation residency, participated in several group shows, and was accepted into the 2024 ARTCH cohort, which she looks forward to showcasing this fall.

Wendy-Alexina is passionate about highlighting the richness of black experiences and is committed to advancing inclusivity in the art world.

Wendy-Alexina Vancol
Wendy-Alexina at the opening of her first solo exhibition in 2022, Sou Wout la, at La Maison de la Culture in NDG.
Wendy-Alexina Vancol
This past spring, Wendy-Alexina visited New Orleans, Louisiana. She loves exploring the art scene wherever she goes. Here she is at Mardi Gras World, posing with a peacock from one of the previous floats.
Here’s the studio Wendy-Alexina worked in during her six-month residency at Jano Lapin Gallery in Verdun.
A behind-the-scenes shot of Wendy-Alexina and her partner Victor recording their podcast, SumBout.
Wendy-Alexina speaking on a panel during the CROWNS art exhibition, which she and other artists organized last February. The exhibit was a tribute to Black art.
Wendy-Alexina enjoying a car ride with her parents. She loves spending time with them, exploring the town, and grabbing a tasty dinner together.
Wendy-Alexina Vancol
Wendy-Alexina holding up a card featuring her artwork from a recent group show at FOFA Gallery for this year’s ArtVolt collection.
Wendy-Alexina Vancol
Wendy-Alexina realizing it’s summer and taking a moment out of the studio to get some fresh air.

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Which neighbourhood are you in?

I’ve lived in Montreal my entire life. I’ve only moved a few times and for the past several years, I’ve been settled in the West Island since I was about six years old.

What do you do?

I work as a visual artist and currently hold a part-time position at an art gallery. I also take on art commissions for both drawing and painting. My main goal is to become a full-time artist and travel around the world through my art.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m quite busy with several exciting projects. I’m working on a series of paintings for the 2024 ARTCH cohort, which will be showcased at Place Ville Marie this October. Additionally, I’ll be directing some painting workshops in my borough this summer. I’m also focused on pursuing further studies to enhance my skills and contribute more to the community.

Where can we find your work?

You can check out my work on Instagram and my website. I also have a YouTube channel where I host a podcast called SumBout with creator Victor @BonvibeMedia. On these platforms, you’ll find works in progress, updates on upcoming projects, and more about me.

 

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