About Po’Start

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Originating in the minds of Nicolas Fournier and Kevin Merritt in late 2003, Po’Start began as an idea to re-introduce the poster-as-art, but quickly evolved into the live manipulation of projected images and video footage.

Inspired by the action films of the 60’s and 70’s and blaxploitation era in cinema… washed-out color schemes, understated action scenes, visually-stimulating backgrounds and detail-rich close-up moments. Po’Start also actively pursues our own cinematic visions and regularly create our own mock-ups of B-movie inspired content.

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A first trial run at the projection game came when Nic and Kevin presented a collection of rare and beautiful album covers (including cinematic soundtrack albums) from the archives of Montreal-based Collector Andy Williams during The GOODS in the Spring of 2004. Since then, Po’Start has been The GOODS’ resident projection team.

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Po’Start also had the opportunity to project at the 2004 edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival during a performance at Club Soda. More recent projects include the Underground Legacy warehouse party at the Darling Foundary in February 2005 (feat. DJ’s Robert de la Gauthier and Tiga), the UQAM Design School Annual X-Mas party 2005, Dub Headz’ “Dub Love-In” at The Mountain Bar in Los Angeles in March 2006, Brazilian band Bombolesse’s official album launch at Kola Note in May 2006, Daptone Records’ Budos Band (Afro-funk orchestra) from NYC at Alizé in June 2006 as well as more of the Goods at Sala Rossa (alongside guests such as Russ Dewbury, DJ Format, Kokolo and HVW8 to name a few).

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It is also important to note that many of the events that Po’Start participates in are associated with music. Nic and Kevin feel that images can be very strongly tied to music and the different rhythms that are generated. During Po’Start live performances, clips can be looped and re-mixed (real-time effects, palindromes, stereogram imagery) to fit with the musical concept. Po’Start will always have a solid connection to the music scene.

Po’Start hopes to continue to evolve by collaborating with other members of the art community, at home in Montreal and abroad (Moody Visionz - Los Angeles). These opportunities to broaden our horizons will help bring fresh ideas to the Montreal art and music scene.

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