Mr. Roger Bellemare
Roger Bellemare has cultivated a respected career that has spanned four decades. Based in Montreal for most of his life, and with an early exposure to the giants of Modernist painting, Bellemare jumpstarted the careers of artists such as Betty Goodwin, Yves Gaucher and more recently Stéphane La Rue. He has exhibited legendary artists including Gilbert and George, General Idea, John Cage, and Eric Fischl, and was the first to bring Joseph Beuys’ work to Canada.
Bellemare has always had a very personal approach to art: art as a companion, and as a concrete thing capable of changing lives and giving pleasure. A gallery itself is, in his eyes, comparable to an artist; evolving and being inspired by the artwork around it, and influencing others in new ways. The lasting effects of Roger Bellemare’s dedication to art can be seen in museums around the world and his influential approach to exhibiting and selling art has helped subsequent generations of dealers and galleries succeed in their own endeavours.
From his original gallery on Crescent Street in Montreal in 1971 to his current location in the Belgo Building, Roger Bellemare has demonstrated an inspiring dedication to art in Canada. As a curator, artist, musician, and collector he has travelled the world carving out a unique and influential path. He continues to manifest his intuition and integrity by promoting artists and collaborating with the artistic community. This Lifetime Achievement Award is a token of respect and appreciation for his achievements and continuing contributions to Canadian art.
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Roger Bellemare has cultivated a respected career that has spanned four decades. Based in Montreal for most of his life, and with an early exposure to the giants of Modernist painting, Bellemare jumpstarted the careers of artists such as Betty Goodwin, Yves Gaucher and more recently Stéphane La Rue. He has exhibited legendary artists including Gilbert and George, General Idea, John Cage, and Eric Fischl, and was the first to bring Joseph Beuys’ work to Canada.
Bellemare has always had a very personal approach to art: art as a companion, and as a concrete thing capable of changing lives and giving pleasure. A gallery itself is, in his eyes, comparable to an artist; evolving and being inspired by the artwork around it, and influencing others in new ways. The lasting effects of Roger Bellemare’s dedication to art can be seen in museums around the world and his influential approach to exhibiting and selling art has helped subsequent generations of dealers and galleries succeed in their own endeavours.
From his original gallery on Crescent Street in Montreal in 1971 to his current location in the Belgo Building, Roger Bellemare has demonstrated an inspiring dedication to art in Canada. As a curator, artist, musician, and collector he has travelled the world carving out a unique and influential path. He continues to manifest his intuition and integrity by promoting artists and collaborating with the artistic community. This Lifetime Achievement Award is a token of respect and appreciation for his achievements and continuing contributions to Canadian art.
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Roger Bellemare at the
ADAC Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2009