Myriam Dion is a talented artist based in Montréal who creates intricate collages using found vintage newspapers and hand-painted designs. Her work is known for transforming newspapers into sculptural, geometric masterpieces, showcasing her unique artistic vision. Recently, Dion has expanded her repertoire to include a variety of found materials, such as gouache-painted samples of antique textile patterns and pages from old garden books.
One of the recurring themes in Dion’s work is the celebration of women and their achievements. She is fascinated by how women are portrayed in the media, especially during a time when newspapers were predominantly written by men for men. Dion’s collages often highlight stories of women’s labor rights and suffrage, showcasing the evolution and sometimes regression of women’s representation in the media.
Through a meticulous process of cutting and weaving tiny strips of material, Dion adds gold leaf and incorporates drawing and painting details into her collages. She also utilizes folding techniques to create relief and a textile-like appearance on the paper, allowing her to develop intricate patterns and larger installations.
Currently, Dion’s work is on display in her solo exhibition, “Timelines,” at Arsenal Contemporary in New York City. The exhibition explores milestones in women’s history, particularly in the U.S., through headlines and dated language that evoke the significance of women’s rights over the 20th century.
Inspired by darning samplers, Dion has delved into the art of mending and repair, drawing parallels between these historical objects and her own creative process. She admires the geometric characteristics of the samplers and incorporates their patterns into her compositions, intertwining floral motifs and ornate framing devices around photographs of women sourced from vintage newspapers.
Dion’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as she recently won a commission for a large public artwork inspired by darning samplers. This piece will be installed in a new hospital in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Québec, in 2027, with another public work set to be installed at the Santa-Cabrini Hospital in Montréal next summer.
“Timelines” will be on display at Arsenal Contemporary through December 14. To learn more about Myriam Dion and her work, visit her website and Instagram. If you appreciate stories and artists like Dion, consider becoming a Colossal Member to support independent arts publishing and enjoy exclusive benefits such as ad-free browsing, saving favorite articles, discounts in the Colossal Shop, a members-only newsletter, and contributing 1% for art supplies in K-12 classrooms.
