Artists in Fredericton now have the chance to undertake their work and keep creating art in their own space.
Every year from September to June, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery opens its doors to visual artists whose shows are on view. As well as creators whose work creatively links with the exhibitions or permanent collection.
Indigo Poirier is the artist-in-residence at the gallery from Aug. 19 to Sept. 13. Poirier showcases original electronic chiptune music based on old video game soundtracks and classic paintings.
Having written nearly 20 tracks for the residency, Poirier notes her appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere at the gallery and most of her creations, which resulted from days of writing.
“Very fast and very frantic, maximalist … everything kind of in your face, very loud,” said Poirier describing her music.
Poirier started making music at just 10 years old with the NoteWorthy Composer software and later worked on audio production in high school. She went on to pursue an audio engineering diploma and she worked with rock bands Helium Submarine and Ski Team.
Being a member of the improv trio Terre Wa cultivated Poirer’s love for improvisation, a freedom that she has carried into her solo project called Wangled Teb for the last 10 years.
“Usually, when I play live now, I’ll bring a few synths and a drum machine with me and kind of just come up with everything off the cuff,” said Poirier. “I find I enjoy that more, and it’s less pressure.”
Poirier enjoys the nostalgia of her music, with the sounds bringing her back to playing Pokémon on her Gameboy or Nintendo.
Her biggest video game inspiration has been Earthbound, a game she praises for its bravery in exploring deep, realistic topics. Other sources of musical inspiration are the electronic and rock musicians Venetian Snares and Wien.
“[Earthbound] is not afraid to be weird or even unpleasant to listen to when it speaks [to] what’s going on in the game.”
In addition to her music endeavours, Poirier graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts with honours in sociology and native studies. She has since returned to STU to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in social work.
“I’m less pressured to make music my one way that I’m gonna make my life mean something,” said Poirier.
Poirier also sends a message to young aspiring artists:
“Don’t be afraid to be a little bit niche or a little bit weird.”
