I attended the opening of a new exhibit at La Galerie des Nanas in Danville, Quebec. One of the featured artists was a young woman, Karine Labrie. When I saw her pen and ink drawings, I immediately thought of Madge Gill. The resemblance in their work is remarkable.

Born deaf, Karine is a master of communicating through her hands. She is prolific, creating images from her self-inspired world of fashion – women dressed in extravagant clothing, posed and waiting to be admired. I don’t know much about Karine, but she was at the opening and I met her briefly. Despite being the centre of attention, she seemed to take it all in stride, although she was obviously thrilled to have her work on display.

I saw more of Karine’s work later in Quebec City, at an art organization called Vincent et Moi. (More about this later.) I learned that her work is under review by Collection L’Art Brut in Lausanne, who is likely to add her work to the main collection.

And, in case you have forgotten about British artist, Madge Gill (1882 – 1961)  here is one of her drawings. I am always fascinated to see two artists whose work is so similar. Karine knows nothing about Gill, yet both were compelled to draw intricate images of the classic ‘femme fatale’ in imaginary architectural settings. I have no explanation for this. It is yet another mystery of outsider art.