About

Julien Perreault grew up in Le Bic, a small village bordered by the St. Lawrence River and its islands, a few hundred kilometers from the Capitale-Nationale. He taught himself to paint, influenced by the artistic legacy of his aunts: painter and photographer Céline Côté, and percussionist, composer, and improviser Danielle Palardy Roger. Perreault found fascination in Quebec’s famed Automatiste movement, the Canadian Arctic, and the interplay of industrial architecture in the works of Marc Gosselin.

Perreault has always been drawn to the natural world. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Combat Information Operator, seeking a way to feel useful and serve his country. His military service profoundly shaped his artistic journey. The people he encountered and the faraway places he explored continue to ignite his creativity. His work has received international acclaim, most notably winning a silver medal at the 51st CAPSQ International Exhibition and Contest in Paris. In 2022, Perreault’s work and vision were featured in an interview with Al-Tiba9 Art Magazine. His most recent statement, the series “Collapsed Structures” reflects on Russo-Ukrainian War.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perreault discovered a new creative outlet: crochet. What began as a way to pass time quickly blossomed into a deep passion for crafting garments and accessories. This newfound medium allowed him to weave together his love for texture, color, and personal expression, while connecting with the enduring tradition of handmade artistry.

While Perreault’s work often explores the grandeur of nature, he is equally invested in addressing humanity’s detrimental impact on the planet. His art calls attention to the climate crisis, inspiring meaningful change before it is too late. Searching for pure, liberated expression free from criticism, he questions the place of affectivity in studying forms and materials.

Working in successive layers, Perreault lets body movements create their own narrative. His pieces incorporate natural and recycled materials such as sand, hemp, plastic, porcelain, and glass, producing work with a distinctive voice that is both personal and universal.

“I find inspiration in the news from yesterday and today. The consequences of climate change are everywhere. All you have to do is open your eyes—or use Google—to see it happening. The planet is sending alarm signals to humanity, which in turn is constantly sweeping them away with the back of its hand.”