His name is Sebastien Riopel… RIO is his signature.
He is a young visionary and a vibrant artist who walks his own path and keeps re-inventing himself with each new project…the latest to be revealed this September at a private vernissage ( on invitation only ) at the oval ballroom of the iconic Ritz-Carlton hotel in Montreal.
His ART is part of a mysterious world that combines the old with the new. RIO is in constant evolution seeking to achieve new creativity levels with mixed media by using ground-breaking techniques in tandem with a colourful palette to produce unique works of art.
Different matter like old encyclopedia pages, crystals, stones, rivets, fashion couture pieces and gold sheets are combined to create surprising effects and add an extra dimension to his larger than life artworks.
RIO chooses to depict sublime, powerful women – willing to do whatever it takes to exercise their own choices and stand up for their rights.
Over the last two years, RIO has been working on three majestic collections. Fallen Angels (January 2020), Garden of Eden (March 2020) and Crazy Flavours (November 2021). Each collection presents a distinct artistic style and examines various human emotions.
His Garden of Eden collection, (that highlights the fight for one’s desires and the inner struggles that every human faces ), will be taking center stage for one night ( *date to be revealed exclusively to guests) at the oval ballroom of Montreal’s iconic RITZ-CARLTON hotel this September following a private exclusive launch evening for 150 invited guests only.
In the artists own words : “The oval ballroom bathed in light is the ideal place to highlight the sculptural details of the Czech crystals and gilding of my works. The challenge will be to create a large interior garden where the canvases will be able to encircle the interior garden. The room will be immersed thus in a unique universe imagined with the RIO touch.”
The Lanaudière native has already left his mark on the international artistic scenes of Paris, Germany, Los Angeles, Miami and New York.
After a two month blitz held at his Saint-Sulpice residence-workshop in order to put finishing touches to his Eden Garden collection, Rio brought his exhibition to new heights in New York at the Somewhere Nowhere lounge on the rooftop of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan.
With his unique vision, modern use of medium and a burning passion for life, RIO is well set on his path to achieve stardom in the international art world.
You will certainly not want to miss his upcoming exhibition this Fall at the Ritz !
Key info for RIO’s Eden Garden Exhibition:
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal | 1228 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1H6
DATE : On invitation only …( Date to be revealed to guests only )
Facebook: @rioartiste
Instagram: @rioartistepeintre
Website: rioartiste.com