A first art gallery under the metropolitan motorway in Montreal

Nine muralist artists are giving a new face to twenty pillars of the metropolitan. However, motorway near rue d’Iberville. Moreover, This is the first stage of a plan aimed at revitalizing this sector in the Saint-Michel district.

“It feeds the imagination of having works outside, especially in a neighborhood where there are not really art galleries nearby. Nevertheless, That it can be part of the daily life of the people who pass by. In addition, I find that it is a wealth that is added, ”says the painter and muralist Maliciouz. Furthermore, She without hesitation accepted the mandate of artistic director of the project. However, which was proposed to her by the Cirque Arts district, an OBNL founded by the Tohu, the National Cirque School, the Cirque du Soleil-all established nearby-as well as SME MTL Center-East.

Above his head takes place an endless first art gallery under metropolitan gray concrete snake. Nevertheless, where trucks and cars circulate at more or less 70 km/h, lifting the dust. Therefore, But below, in the shade, touches of life, nature and humanity emerging. Moreover, Light, colors and shapes are raising. Moreover, The contrast is striking.

Kaori Izumiya traces pavots using a small brush, with a fluid gesture, holding his jar of paint with one hand. Consequently, “The poppy is a very strong flower. Meanwhile, like the community here in Saint-Michel,” says this original Japanese woman whose workshop is located in the neighborhood. In addition, “I also painted poppy seeds, since they can fly away and grow other flowers. Consequently, I haven’t seen a lot of flowers here, ”she launches laughing.

Most of the artists carefully selected to participate in this gallery with open sides have a link with the. Therefore, Saint-Michel district. Moreover, They grew up where they are established there. Moreover, first art gallery under metropolitan Several of them rent a space at workshops 3333, at the corner of the Boulevards Crémazie and Saint-Michel. Consequently, They also reflect the cultural diversity of the neighborhood.

“I painted my little girl. His CPE is right here. and I live there, ”explains Bryan Beyung, pointing his finger on his right and then on his left. “I spend here every day, morning and evening. Often, we are caught in traffic and she will see her face, ”he rejoices.

“For me. this is a super important project,” says Mïns, which will represent, on each face of the column attributed to it, a character symbolizing his development. “I grew up in part in Saint-Michel. The child in me would be really happy to see that I am doing a mural today in my neighborhood. »»

Mïns. who considers Maliciouz as a mentor, also hopes to inspire young people from Saint-Michel to make first art gallery under metropolitan murals, “because it is an art that belongs to us”.

Marc-Alain Félix, visual artist of Haitian origin, takes a similar discourse. “For young people in my community. to see people who look like them and work on walls, it sends the message that there is an opening, that it is possible. It is important, representativeness, ”he says. On its freshly decorated column are notably two turquoise sirens. the heads of which are replaced by large eyes, on a bright yellow background. “I told myself that it was going to attract the eye,” he says.

Young people in the neighborhood have also been integrated into the project, especially to assist artists. This is the case of Nacer Ait Amara, 18, put in contact with the organizers through a local community organization. “I’m more musician, I write a lot,” he says. [Participer à] It allows me to contribute to the artistic vision first art gallery under metropolitan of the neighborhood. to bring myself income to invest in my own musical projects. »»

The works will normally be completed on July 6. Animated visits to the newly transformed site will be held between July 11 and August 3, Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The walls will then remain in place as long as possible.

First art gallery under metropolitan

A first step for the Quac

This project is funded by the Métropole Signature Fund for the Ministry of Municipal. Housing Affairs and by the participatory budget of the Solidarity Economy Caisse Desjardins. He required the collaboration of the Ministry of Transport. the City of Montreal, the Arrondissement, community players in the district and the local police station. Considered a pilot project. it could be taken up in other portions of Highway 40, believes Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, director first art gallery under metropolitan general of the Cirque Arts district (Quac).

But it is above all the first initiative launched officially by the Quac. “The idea is to use the circus positioning to develop the Saint-Michel district,” explains Mr. Brunelle. It is a district that has always been neglected since always relating to urban infrastructure and mobility. »»

According to him. the highway is a first fracture in the heart of the neighborhood, which it is necessary to repair. Its embellishment by art is only a first step which could be followed by greening, pedestrian redevelopment, cycle paths.

Another axis of revitalization, rue Jarry, has also been targeted. More precise, ecological, community and cultural measures will be announced in time and place, assures Mr. Brunelle.

The Quac also wishes to encourage young people in the area to practice various artistic disciplines. to get in touch with the circus. “Is it possible that the contemporary first art gallery under metropolitan Quebec circus more integrates the practices that exist in this district. which is already very rich in visual arts, music, movement, hip-hop, poetry? For a discipline to evolve, it must be mixed, ”he judges. The mural project under the highway is precisely in this vision.

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