Public Artwork
Le lieu de la présence
Location:
BAnQ, avenue Savoie and place Paul-Émile-Borduas, Montréal, QC, Canada
See map: Google Maps
Artwork creator(s):
Blain, Dominique
Text author(s):
Blain, Dominique
Remarks on location:
Overlooks the Place Paul-Émile Borduas
Description:
The artist created an installation incorporating three elements. The words "You are here,", which figure prominently on tourist maps, are engraved in the center of the window pane. On the hall's lateral wall, a mirror reflects this inscription. Silhouettes of walking people from all over the world form a pattern that repeats itself throughout the glass wall. On the top of the tables made available to users, various historical maps of Montreal indicate the exact location of the building within environments that have evolved over time.
Text of the artwork:
Vous êtes ici
Text theme:
Underlines the contingency of being in a place marked by its architecture, in a street designed by the surrounding buildings or, on a larger scale, in a province whose inhabitants speak the language used the artist.
Artwork theme:
Self-consciousness within a specific space Note(s):
The artist has added a mirror on the wall that shows the reverse side of the words which, from inside, appear to be written in reverse. "A simple sentence, universally used, which is found on all city maps and which operates as a logo, is the central segment of the glass wall."
MCCCQ. (2008). Intégration des arts à l'architecture et à l'environnement. Bilan 2004-2007. Québec: Gouvernement du Québec.
Artist's biography:
Dominique Blain
Owner(s):
BAnQ Document(s):
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