Great Concordian: Marc Séguin, acclaimed artist

Painter, novelist and filmmaker Marc Séguin, BFA 95, is an internationally renowned artist whose works are in major museum collections across Canada and have been widely exhibited.

A childhood largely immersed in books and creativity laid the foundation for the Great Concordian’s artistic development.

“I was a solitary kid who loved reading and who found joy in my own company,” Séguin recalls. “I have vivid memories of experiencing something special whenever I used oil pastels.”

His mother’s work as a lab technician with Concordia’s Department of Biology led Séguin to consider the university’s Department of Studio Arts. As a reserved but talented student, he honed his skills under celebrated professors like Guido Molinari, Betty Goodwin and Françoise Sullivan.

Sincerity, raw emotion and a deep engagement with the human condition have since become hallmarks of Séguin’s artistic practice. His first solo exhibition in 1996 garnered significant acclaim, and set the stage for a career marked by both creative experimentation and critical success.

Séguin has also published seven novels — the most recent, Madeleine et moi, was published in 2024 — and written and directed a feature film, Stealing Alice.

In 2022, he was among a select group of artists chosen to create public installations for the Blue line extension of the Montreal Metro system. Later this year, a short animated film Séguin wrote and co-directed with Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie Isaac, DFA 23, will be released by the National Film Board of Canada.

Amidst all of these projects, Séguin has also made time to mentor students at his alma mater through Art Volt, a donor-supported program in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

“It’s essential for me to give back and share what I’ve learned with the next generation of artists,” says the Great Concordian. “It’s rewarding to see their growth and help them find their own voices.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Marc Séguin: At the time, I didn’t realize that I was joining the best art school in Canada. But once I was there, it all started to make sense.

I had some rough years before Concordia, and suddenly, everything clicked. In those three years, I was never late for a class and never missed one. I jumped in fully because being taught by such knowledgeable teachers, who were also respected artists, felt like a lifeline.

Concordia gave me a sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about the technical skills or the art I was creating — it was about becoming part of a community where art mattered, where I felt I belonged.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

MS: The biggest factor, I believe, is sincerity — being authentic to who I am as an artist and a person. When you’re sincere in your art, people can feel it. It’s not something you can fake long-term.

Concordia played a crucial role in this for me. It gave me just enough confidence to go out there and present myself — whether that was sending a portfolio to a gallery or simply creating work that felt personal. I was very shy before Concordia, but those years allowed me to break out of my shell, even if it was just a little, and take those first steps toward knocking on doors and sharing my work with the world. That’s been a huge part of my journey: trusting that, even if people don’t like what I’m doing, at least it’s authentically me.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

MS: Be yourself. Be sincere. Don’t worry too much about whether it’s ‘good’ or fits into what others expect. If your work is honest, it will always resonate.

As a student, it’s easy to get lost in trying to figure out who you are or what your work should be. But the best thing you can do is trust yourself, share your experiences with others and make the most of your time as a student. The relationships you build with your peers during those years are incredibly valuable, and you’ll carry them with you long after you graduate.

And remember, the teachers are there for you. They’re not just doing a job — they genuinely want to help you grow.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

MS: Honestly, my jaw dropped when I found out. I’m still that shy, nervous kid who showed up terrified and excited on my first day at Concordia.

I never thought I’d receive something like this. It’s such an incredible honour, and I still can’t fully grasp it.