Public Artwork
La traversée du territoire
Location:
Jardins du Précambrien, Fondation Derouin, 1303 Montée Gagnon, Val-David, QC, Canada
See map: Google Maps
Artwork creator(s):
Derouin, René
Text author(s):
Derouin, René
Installation year:
1999
Remarks on location:
The work lies at the foot of the stairs at the entrance to the site.
Description:
The work consists of three rectangular bases and a square base laid out on the ground. The bases are aligned at the bottom of the staircase so that they can be seen as soon as one arrives at the site. Each base features a perforation in the shape of a lake. Cones (representing trees) are arranged on the base. Perforated words surround each base. 2,000 bronze-cast characters are arranged on the bases. There are 10 different character models. Their sizes vary; the closer they are to the center, the taller they get. They also increase in numbers closer to the center. The characters are all directed towards the center.
Text of the artwork:
1er FLEUVE SAINT-LAURENT NOMADES DENRÉE FEMMES FRONTIÈRES EST OUEST MÉMOIRES HOMMES DENSITÉ AMÉRIQUES 50e PARALLÈLE TRANSHUMANCE 2e PLACE PUBLIQUE RENCONTRES ZÓCALO SEPT MILLIONS DE QUÉBECOIS CROISEMENT SQUARE DUEL FLUIDE 3e TERRITOIRE DUALITÉ SUD LATITUDE LONGITUDE EMBOUCHURE ESTUAIRE VIDE CAMBRIEN MÉTIS TOUNDRA 60e PARALLÈLE 4e QUÉBEC LOURDEUR CONTINENT LIEU QUÉBEC TAÏGA 12 MILLIARDS D’ARBRES ESPACE NORD PASSAGE AMER POIDS TEMPS
Text theme:
Migration
Artwork theme:
According to the explanation panel, the work represents the migration of women and men across continental America. The work speaks of belonging to a place, of our dependence upon natural forces and of the difficulties faced by migrating populations. With this work, the artist wanted to emphasize the courage and strength of character of those who had to leave a place and migrate, both geographically and culturally, in the late 20th century.
History:
The work was originally presented at the Jardin des Plantes, in Paris. In 2002, it was then moved and installed at the Jardins du Précambrien for the Espace et densité exhibition.
Event date(s):
2002 
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