Melvin Charney

Since the 1960s Melvin Charney has created an immense body of work that, while profoundly architectural, has always transgressed into other disciplines. Consequently, like his drawings, sculptures and installations, his photographs are fueled by a strong commitment to the urban environment. This publication tracks four decades of a singular and multidisciplinary œuvre through Charney’s photographs, demonstrating their visual power as well as their place in his overall artistic vision. With hundreds of images to guide us, this publication outlines Charney’s trajectory from his earliest photographs of Montreal’s old neighbourhoods in the 1950s, through to his use of photographic assemblages in architectural settings, his painted photographs of industrial sites and his gigantic outdoor constructions melding photography with aluminum and wood.

With three essays and artist’s commentary.