DUMAIS, Réal (1947-2010)

Réal Dumais held a BA in engraving and an MA from the Université du Québec à Montréal. Initially interested in printmaking and handmade paper, he later took up installation-based work that combined sculptural and two-dimensional elements. In addition to teaching fine arts at the Cégep de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, he authored several publications, particularly art and artist’s books. He also showed his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Quebec, including at the Musée régional de Rimouski (1977), the Galerie de l’UQAM (1981) and twice at the Galerie Action Art Actuel (1995, 2003-2004). The 2003-2004 exhibition, entitled Les sept péchés capitaux, pour mon plaisir uniquement (“the seven deadly sins, for my pleasure only”), turned a critical eye on contemporary life, pointing out its excesses and contradictions. Dumais was a founding member of Action Art Actuel and actively involved in his regional community through many committees and organizations.