DUTIL, Daniel (1951)

Daniel Dutil holds a BEd (fine arts education) from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (1974-1977) and an MFA from the Université du Québec à Montréal, completed by extension at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (1991-1994). As an artist, he transforms light into energy and matter through photography and sculpture. His work, similar to environmental and in situ art, is inspired by theories in symbolic interactionism, seeking to achieve perfect harmony between creative space, light-matter, material and observer. In addition to teaching and showing his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions, he has completed a number of architecturally integrated works, namely L’envol d’Adrien, a large glass window at l’Envol secondary school in Saint-Nicolas (1990); Aire de projection, a mural sculpture at Saint-Laurent School in Jonquière (1992); De l’autre côté de Brenda, a window-sculpture at the Saint-Félicien library (1997); Territoire transitoire, an outdoor sculpture at the Centre de formation professionnelle in Jonquière (1998); and Aire et parallaxe, an outdoor sculpture at Parc de la Rivière-aux-sables in Jonquière (1998). In 2012, drawing upon nature and the history of the location, he created a large-scale work in front of the main entrance pavilion of Chicoutimi’s Rivière-du-Moulin Park. The main components of the piece, which is called Le vent glisse sur le temps et roule vers la lumière (“the wind glides upon time and carries on toward the light”), resemble giant skis propped up against the building. These are embellished with cut-out detailing based on the trees and foliage found in the area.