On the walls: art you need to see this week

“RCA,” by Fernand Toupin

Myriam Dion’s designs in Dentelles de Journaux have the look of lace, but these intricate arrangements ain’t your grandma’s doilies: they are made from newspaper, specifically cut-up issues of Métro. The idea behind it, of course, is to stimulate recycling efforts, but it is also breathing new life into the newspaper as a social and political communications tool. Vernissage at Maison du Développement Durable (50 Ste-Catherine W.) today, Tuesday, May 14, 5 p.m.

Quebec-born Julie Desmarais’s landscape imagery in Paysage en mémoire conjures a certain lightness. The artist visited an area and only painted the actual work upon returning to her studio in Montreal, from memory. Vernissage at Galerie D’Este (1329 Greene), on Thursday, May 16, 5 p.m.

Haustel is a critique of artistic practices that draws inspiration from elements of pop culture and art history. Everything and anything is questioned, from the artistic practice and process and the relationship between the creator and what is created. Vernissage at les Territoires (372 Ste-Catherine W., #527) on Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m.

If you haven’t had the chance to see the late Canadian artist Fernand Toupin’s paintings at Galerie Bernard, the exhibition has been extended to May 17. This is a solid opportunity to check out the innovative work of the late Québécois abstract painter, credited as one of the founders of the Plasticiens movement (crafting geometric shapes onto canvas). Galerie Bernard (3926 St-Denis) through Friday, May 17

The Sight + Sound Festival continues, with new installations to kick off week two. One particularly notable (and creepy) mention is the performance by the Noxious Sector Arts Collective and their Nightmare Inductions, taking place on May 19, in which the audience is hypnotized and are led to believe that their teeth have fallen out (we told you it was freaky). Check the festival’s website for more details on other installations and events. All events at Eastern Bloc (7240 Clark)

Get acquainted with German label Testklang as the collective presents Sugar Cubes, an installation that combines all media, from poetry to music to film. The exhibition is named after composer Bunita Marcus. At the front and centre of the exhibition and at the center is a giant, black cube that represents all of the composer’s many compositions. Vernissage at Pierre-François Ouellette Art Contemporain (372 Ste-Catherine W., #216) on Saturday, May 18, 2:30 p.m.

Finally, make a point of checking out Beaudry metro, which has received a complete makeover by Dominique Pétrin, who plastered the building with her signature bright, poppy prints. Intersection of Beaudry & Ste-Catherine  ■