Meet Char Bataille, the non-binary artist behind Time Out Market Montréal's Christmas installation

'Tis the season, and Time Out Market Montréal is continuing to support local artists by providing a space for installations and exhibitions. This season? We've been working with the Montreal-based multidisciplinary artist Char Bataille.

With their mediums including tattooing, latte art, illustration, and transforming found objects, their design choices for the Market's Christmas tree this year are unlike anything we've ever seen, so we wanted to ask them some questions about who they and why they do what they do.

A lot of their work focuses on destroying the norms around what makes good art, good bodies, and good people; "I love to do ugly artwork on ugly people," they told the beauty brand We Are Fluide in a 2020 interview. "I mean that in the most positive way; I love, adore and admire my freak clients, and I want to adorn them with wonky lines, wacky colors, and revolting art that validates their bodies and makes them smile."

Tell us about yourself and your history as an artist; how did you get started, and how did you find your style?

Well, I’ve always painted as a hobby, ever since being a little kid. I always loved to express myself with colours and humour. And my tattooing style came directly from how I painted. I think that might make it unique, I was a painter first, then learned to draw. I didn’t start tattooing thinking it would be my job so I think that gave me great freedom and the ability to take risks.

As years passed, my style did change because my process is highly collaborative! I sit and draw with my clients so often I get access to different universes and it has really broadened my mind and abilities. 

How did you get into tattooing?

I’ve always thought tattoos were so cool! Being deep into DIY queer punk culture in my early 20s, we did everything ourselves, from patching up clothes to giving each other tattoos! I wanted a lot of tattoos, but this was before the days of Instagram (which now gives a platform to tons of amazing artists) and it was hard to find a style of tattooing around me that I liked, so I figured I’ll do it myself. It’s easier said than done, though, and now I have many bad tattoos that I love to love! But that’s how I started tattooing! With the help of many friends and peers, I learned more and more with the years!

Tell me about the installation; what's the inspiration for it?

I drew a lot of inspiration for the installation simply from the fact that, now more than ever, we need to have some fun. I wanted to embrace a nod to tradition, while at the same time playing with the idea of pure silly abundance and laughter, rethinking what can be considered traditional, especially in a way that feels more inclusive of all kinds of people.

What do the holidays mean to you these days? 

Gift-giving is my love language. I’ve always been that way, and it’s a great time of year for me to express that to my nearest and dearests!

Finally—because we're looking to promote a lot of local businesses these days—any bars, restaurants, galleries, etc you'd like to shout out to? If you can, please also tell us why you love 'em. 

I love the painter Teenadult and her merch is perfect for gifts, I love the restaurant Pizza Bouquet and the vibes there, I love Sophie Sucrée, the vegan spinach feuilleté is TO DIE FOR !