LES BOÎTES VIVANTES

2022
Metro Angrignon, Montreal

Two murals, each 1.5m x 3.55m
Materials: Ceramic and glass mosaic, image transfers on ceramic
Commissioned by the STM (Société des transports métropolitains)
Mosaic fabrication by Mosaika (Montreal)

These artworks make reference to the history of Parc Angrignon, located just outside of this Metro Station.
Mankind has long been fascinated by the collection and study of natural specimens. The desire to categorize and explain nature led to the creation of "cabinets of curiosities", which have fascinated humans for centuries. Located in a vast park that has long served as the winter quarters for the animals of the Garden of Wonders, Angrignon Station, with its glass domes, is the perfect place to explore the wonders of nature.

In order to document the history of Angrignon Park, the artist conducted extensive research at the Archives of the City of Montreal. She found many photos of the Quartiers d'hiver, but also of the virgin forest before the park was developed in the mid 1950s. This relationship between raw nature and constructed nature occupies a significant place in the work.

The two murals that make up the work are unique, but communicate with each other by sharing some sources of images. They are collages of elements crossing space and time. Both use trompe l'oeil techniques in different ways, to draw the viewer into the composition and to challenge the very idea of perspective and the way our eye perceives reality.

Like a cabinet of curiosities, the work of Angrignon Station is filled with treasures. For this reason, the artist has chosen a variety of materials and processes. These include ceramic mosaics combining various techniques, sculpted clay, glass panels and digital imaged printed on ceramics. The work is as rich and eclectic as its historical references, becoming "cabinets" to explore. (text adapted from description on the STM website, by Benoît Clairoux).