About

Biography

Gigi Retzo is a self-taught Montreal-based artist.

Although originally born in the same city she currently practices in, most of her life was spent abroad. Three continents, six countries, more than a dozen cities and over twenty-five moves after her birth, Gigi finally settled back into the first haven she was uprooted from.

Symptomatic of her innate curiosity about the inner workings of the world and its people, or as a direct consequence of coping with her lifelong volatile environment, she has always been attracted to philosophy and psychology. This led her to studying literature and linguistics in Stockholm, Sweden, which introduced her to countless great thinkers who helped shape her evolving artistic direction.

After obtaining a French BAC in Literature in 2006, she pursued her thirst for knowledge about the human psyche through further reading, additional training and taking on a variety of assistant positions in several fields of work, including but not limited to hospitality, teaching, real estate, optometry, law, mental health and the visual arts.

With an unusual and eclectic set of experiences, as well as an impressive ability to adjust and discern patterns around her, Gigi now uses painting, drawing and writing mediums to explore and illuminate that which defines, unites and divides us in this day and age

Artist Statement

Born and raised in a world of chronic departures, in an age when the internet and social media were either inexistent or yet to become mainstream, and when cell phones were the size of toy trucks, goodbyes usually meant forever. Accepting short-lived relationships and taking on a chameleon-like skin in order to adapt rapidly to new cultural contexts was a way of life seemingly bereft of choices and freedom. The key to surviving was to develop the ability to discern patterns and adjust- observe, learn, evolve, repeat. An exhausting exercise that proved both detrimental and fruitful.

Consequently, along the way, I underwent an ongoing exploration on what it meant to be an individual and a member of society. What influences us. How we perceive ourselves and each other. Why that came to be. As well, as wonder how to break away from the walls we’ve built around ourselves in a desperate attempt to feel safer and to make sense of our world; walls that ironically keep us apart and at chronic risk of collapse.

I use mixed media to explore and express concepts and interrogations that feel universal; representative of the struggles many of us undergo these days, regardless of where our roots lie.

My practice focuses on our internalized contradictions and poorly understood multiplicity. My artwork often alludes to a long-lost innocence and sheds light on psychological and philosophical dilemmas that envelop us. It encourages people to question what defines them, to open their minds to differing plights and perspectives that surround them, and to become more pro-active about breaking down barriers that stifle psychogenic progress.

Curriculum Vitae

Education
2006	BAC in Literature, Lycée Français St-Louis, Stockholm, Sweden
2003	Grade 9 & 10, Western High School, Fort-Lauderdale, FL, USA
Group Exhibitions
2020	(upcoming) Festival des arts, 13th Edition, Maison culturelle et communautaire de Montréal-Nord, Montreal, QC – Jun 21st-Jul 4th 6th Edition, Le Showfrette: Weekend en lumière, Beloeil, QC
2019	12th Edition, Les fenêtres qui parlent, Montreal, QC What the Pop!, YES | Marché Bonsecours, Montreal, QC Festival des arts, 12th Edition, Maison culturelle et communautaire de Montréal-Nord, Montreal, QC Expo Pop-Up: March, Art Cible | Atelier Galerie 2112, Montreal, QC Expo Pop-Up: February, Art Cible | Atelier Galerie 2112, Montreal, QC
Art Fairs, Markets & Symposiums
2021	(upcoming) 25th Edition, Symposium Artiste sur le Champ, Chambly, QC – date TBD
2020	(upcoming) 23rd Edition, On aura tout vu, Prévost, QC – Sept 11-12-13 (upcoming) Salon du disque et des arts underground, 11th Edition, Under the Snow Festival, Montreal, QC – date TBD
2019	22nd Edition, Symposium de peinture de Prévost, Prévost, QC Salon du disque et des arts underground, 10th Edition, Under the Snow Festival, Montreal, QC
Cultural Mediations
2020	(ongoing) Art Workshops, Clef d’arc, Montreal, QC (upcoming) Regard sur l’équipe | workshop, Festival des arts, Maison culturelle et communautaire de Montréal-Nord, Montreal, QC – date TBD
Media, Press & Publications
2019	15th Anniversary Collector’s Booklet, ELAN Quebec, p.30, Aug. 26th « La peinture pour se sentir bien », by Emma Guerrero Dufour, Journal des citoyens, p.3, Aug.
Continuing Education
2020	Négocier son contrat: un art qui s’apprend et qui rapporte, RAAV, Montreal, QC
2019	Archives et inventaire de l’artiste, RAAV, Montreal, QC Mental Health First Aid Training, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Montreal, QC Building a Project around Oral History, COHDS | Concordia University, Montreal, QC Emotional Resilience While Performing Traumatic Narratives: Part II, COHDS | Concordia University, Montreal, QC
2017	Miser sur son intelligence émotionnelle, Groupe MP-Plus, Montreal, QC
2013	The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness, Coursera | University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Activities Inspiring My Practice
2019 –present	Attendant & Animator, Clef d’arc, Montreal, QC
2020	Volunteer, Face-à-Face, Montreal, QC
2018-20	Secretary/Vice-President, School Committee, École primaire Sainte-Gertrude, Montreal, QC
2016-18	Paralegal, Manon Dion Avocate, Montreal, QC
2006-07	English Teacher & Teacher’s Assistant, Torre Alta Montessori School, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Arts & Culture Volunteering Experience
2019	Harmonies, Museum Ball, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, QC Mtl en Arts Festival, Montreal, QC Halte-Femmes Montréal-Nord, Montreal, QC MURAL Festival, Montreal, QC Comité de mobilisation citoyenne, Fête des voisins | Un Itinéraire pour tous, Montreal, QC Papier 19 | Art Fair, Montreal, QC
2016	Papier 16 | Art Fair, Montreal, QC
Memberships
Member, RAAV, Montreal, QC Member, ELAN Quebec, Montreal, QC Member, CARFAC National, Montreal, QC
Collections
Private collection, Quebec, QC Private collection, Montreal, QC Private collection, Windsor, ON

Upcoming Events…

 

Press

Testimonials

– bilingual –

“Extremely insightful and in depth advice! I make earrings and Gigi gave me some very important points about participating in a market that made me look at the whole event in a different way. She really opened my eyes on how to approach participating in a market, and with concrete and practical tips. I have been to coaches before but never received such in depth insight! Thanks Gigi! <3"

– Sarine Chahinian | Facebook.com/SoftenthePop | 2019-08-29

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“Gigi is a wonderful artist coach and mentor. She has vast knowledge of how the art world works and she helps artists to navigate this sometimes complex world. She has helped me with my artist bio, statement and cv. She is supportive in helping the artist speak out their authentic voice and she asks strong, valuable and intelligent questions. I would highly recommend Gigi to emerging and established artists alike. Thank you Gigi for working with me.”

– Babita Sharma | Instagram.com/BabitaSharma | 2019-08-09

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“Gigi est une artiste très dévouée, tu peux clairement voir qu’elle est passionnée par ce qu’elle fait! Elle se pousse constamment à en découvrir plus et à apprendre sur le sujet d’origine de ses créations. Son travail est absolument magnifique et très intéressant elle communique bien ses idées et sa vision et à de la facilité à écouter et à comprendre les gens! D’ailleurs, son travail vient chercher et faire ressortir les millions de personnalités entre nous tous, magnifique!”

– Shaheena Piedalue | ShaheenasArtwork.com | 2019-07-30

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“Je suis très satisfaite du travail de Gigi, car j’ai toujours des appels de dossiers très intéressants selon la demande que je lui fait. Elle fait des recherches selon mes besoins spécifiques pour exposer mes toiles. Je suis contente, car je cherchais exactement quelqu’un qui puisse m’envoyer l’heure juste sur les expositions à venir.”

– Mariane Vincent | ArtbyZaima.com | 2019-02-11

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“Gigi Retzo worked for me as my assistant and colleague in my arts management consulting business a few years ago, before she set up the Artzy Retzo initiative. It was a pleasure to work with her during this time.

She is an exceptionally quick learner, very organized, diligent, and efficient. She went well beyond her duties and I trusted her with high-level initiatives and decision-making on a regular basis. I always knew I could rely on her abilities and intelligence to interface with clients in a professional and productive manner. Visual artists seeking assistance in managing their practice have a lot to benefit from having her on their team.“

– Archita Ghosh | Linkedin.com/in/Archita-Ghosh | edFilms.net | 2018-06-20

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“Une belle équipe, qui travaille avec sérieux et engagement. Une collaboration qui a porté fruit. Merci Retzo!

– Anne Billy | AnneBilly.com | 2018-06-18

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“Amis, artistes, collègues,

J’ai le plaisir de témoigner de mon excellente expérience professionnelle aux côtés de Gigi Retzo. Nous travaillons ensemble depuis déjà plusieurs années et son apport à tout ce qui concerne l’aspect bureaucratique de ma pratique est pour moi d’une valeur inestimable. Gigi s’implique à tous les niveaux et son aide m’est précieuse pour, entre autres choses, la recherche d’opportunités, l’envoi de soumissions ou l’amélioration de mon site web.

Elle s’occupe de façon remarquablement efficace et bienveillante de toutes les démarches relatives à ma carrière (recherche de lieux d’exposition, de résidences, ainsi que de possibilités de subventions et soumissions). Gigi est très fiable et responsable et c’est un grand plaisir de travailler avec elle.

Ses connaissances du milieu local et national et sa compréhension de mon travail et de mes aspirations font en sorte qu’elle sait faire les choix judicieux quant aux lieux et aux projets qui favorisent le rayonnement de ma carrière. Disposant d’une vaste banque de données informatiques et d’un sens inné de l’organisation, Gigi a toute ma confiance pour s’occuper des démarches administratives liées à ma pratique. Grâce à ses services, je peux prendre le temps (considérable!) alloué à ces tâches et l’utiliser plutôt au travail en atelier!

Son implication dynamique a également contribué à l’obtention de plusieurs expositions solo, notamment à la Galerie d’art d’Outremont (Montréal, QC, 2014), TRUCK Gallery (Calgary, AB, 2015), à la Maison des arts de Laval (Laval, QC, 2015), au Centre d’exposition de Mont-Laurier (Mont-Laurier, QC, 2016), à la Harcourt House (Edmonton, AB, 2016) et à Arnica (Kamloops, BC 2017) et d’autres sont prévues pour cette année. J’ai également participé, au cours des dernières années, à de nombreuses expositions de groupe au Québec et au Canada.

Le dévouement dont fait preuve Gigi envers ma carrière me permet de me consacrer à temps plein à ma production tout en profitant régulièrement d’occasions de montrer mes œuvres dans des lieux qui correspondent entièrement à mes ambitions.

Je recommande Gigi Retzo avec chaleur et enthousiasme à quiconque vise à développer sa carrière professionnelle tout en passant le plus de temps possible en atelier.“

– Sonia Haberstich | Haberstich.com | 2018-06-01

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“To Whom It May Concern,

I write this letter of reference happily on behalf of Gigi Retzo. I began working with Gigi as my consultant and representative last year. I have to say, to date I have had absolutely no occasion to regret this arrangement.

A year ago, my career as a visual artist could well be described as “comatose”—a group show here, some interest there maybe, little else. Working with Gigi has changed all that for me. This year I have three solo shows and a festival—and, as I write this, it’s still only March. It’s good to be alive!

I am writing all this to you as an accomplished, published writer and editor, who knows very well how to put together an application dossier. Sure, I can send out a dozen applications in a month. But what about the next month … and the next? It’s hard for an artist to keep making time for this kind of administrative work.

[…] Beyond keeping up a consistent volume of applications, her keen, critical sense for evaluating my situation and assessing what my career needs to move to the next step is simply invaluable. In that regard, I have to mention that she also possesses a formidable database of artist opportunities—exhibitions, grants, residencies, etc.!

Accordingly, should you have the opportunity to do business with Gigi Retzo, I urge you strongly to give her your closest consideration.“

– Edwin Janzen | Edwin-Janzen.weebly.com | 2016-03-16