Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The new general director of L’Imagier aspires to make the centre d’exposition d’art a second

home to not only artists, but also its attendees.

“It’s difficult to enter a place when you don’t feel invited. The idea that I would like to establish

is that people feel that they can come back here as if they were going home,” said Karina

Pawlikowski. “Then they will have access to art in a way that is much more natural than in

something that is much more constructed.”

Being a professional visual artist from Outaouais herself, Pawlikowski brings an unmatched

connection to artists, as well as various artistic organizations in the region like Axenéo7,

Daïmôn, and Transistor Média.

“It feels like I know every part of the job,” said Pawlikowski.

She holds a master’s degree in museology and arts practices from the École des arts et cultures

de l’Université du Québec en Outaouais where she has taught observational drawing since 2018.

Her work has gone on to be supported and exhibited in Quebec, in Canada, and internationally.

But L’Imagier holds a special place in her heart as her first solo exhibition was at the old

building in 2015.

“I always had an interest in what the vibe was like inside the centre. How did people

communicate with each other? Do you feel well received as an artist, but also as a spectator?

When you come to openings, it’s important that people feel that they have the right to come.”

While exhibition centres can be observed as formal and intimidating, Pawlikowski plans to

facilitate a welcoming, accessible space where people can feel comfortable and get involved.

“We are really looking for people who will come and get involved at L’Imagier, both as

employees and volunteers, as members, and as members of the board of directors as well.”

Photo caption: L’Imagier’s new general director Karina Pawlikowski welcomes visitors to the

opening of the Tropical Bliss exhibition by artist David Gumbs on February 16.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark