A series of Renaissance-inspired portraits of neo-rural characters by Montréal-born artist Émile Brunet. Brunet employs the codes of Western Renaissance and Medieval art to re-present popular culture and our contemporary condition. An examination of self-representation through time, Brunet explores classical forms of figuration, applying a timeless yet paradoxical form of symbolism. In “Are They Peasant,” Brunet’s figures are less resemblant of agrarian workers toiling in the countryside than of young professionals with remote jobs, taking up rural tasks in their spare time. Hobbyists, not unlike nobility performing pastoral fantasies in Rococo paintings.

Brunet himself relocated from Montréal to a small town on the US-Canada border during the pandemic where he began exploring traditional practices such as mixing herbs, producing cosmetics, soap, wine, and cider. He even worked for a small art materials manufacturer whose oil paint he still uses exclusively. While Brunet’s sitters are imaginary, he draws inspiration from people in his own village—locals and transplants from both sides of the border.

“Are They Peasant” is on display at Plato gallery until March 7th.