Public Artwork
Le bateau ivre
Location:
Pavillons Alphonse-Desjardins and Maurice-Pollack, Université Laval, Saint-Foy, QC, Canada
See map: Google Maps
Artwork creator(s):
Simonin, Francine
Text author(s):
Rimbaud, Arthur
Installation year:
1996
Remarks on location:
At the junction of the two pavilions and close to the agora
Description:
The structure of the floors lean against a huge slanted wall. Three steel shapes run the length of the four-floor high slanted wall, forming ledges and peaks. These shapes have been cut and assembled, and their surfaces - alternately smooth, brushed or engraved - are covered with enamel paint. The surface of the concrete wall features a grid and a thin screen made of electronic circuits can be seen in between the shapes. On the ground, against the wall, an excerpt of a poem by Arthur Rimbaud is engraved onto stainless steel plaques.
Text of the artwork:
J’AI VU DES ARCHIPELS SIDÉRAUX! ET DES ÎLES DONT LES CIEUX … Ô QUE MA QUILLE ÉCLATE ! Ô QUE J’AILLE À LA MER !
Text theme:
Strength, unbalance and movement expressed by the immensity of the location
Artwork theme:
Timelessness of art
Dimensions:
Height:
22m
Width:
16m
Propriétaire(s):
Université Laval Document(s):