Our dearest friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Daniel Dion, after a struggle with cancer, on Sunday, September 28, 2014, at 7:45 am in Vancouver. He had a beautiful and peaceful passage surrounded by many who loved him.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved partner Su Schnee, by his sister Lucie Dion, by friends and colleagues of all ages and backgrounds. His liveliness, smile and generosity have been and will continue to be the heart and soul of OBORO, which he cofounded with artist Su Schnee and a small group of Montréal artists in 1982.
Daniel has spoken about the blue sky as a vast mind, and the peacefulness of that vastness. Mourning will be taking place over the next 49 days. Candles have been lit for him; everyone who cares for him is invited to do the same.
A memorial ceremony will be held in Montreal (details to follow). You may send your wishes at the address blueskies@oboro.net
First and foremost an artist, Daniel Dion contributed to the development of media and digital practices from the beginning of his career in the 1980s. Interested in the theoretical, aesthetic and spiritual paradigms that bridge art and communication, Daniel Dion instigated many transcultural exchanges between artists from Canada, India, Mexico, Cuba, Japan and European countries. In 1993, the National Gallery of Canada organized an exhibition of his single channel video and installations, for which he created – together with Su Schnee and several other co-creators – his most widely recognized pan-disciplinary work, “World Tea Party,” that has since been shown around the world. Daniel Dion dedicated the final years of his career defending the rights of artists through the production and dissemination of their works.