TRIBUTE TO MONTREAL'S GREAT ARTISTS

Initiated by MU, the collection entitled "Hommage aux bâtisseurs culturels montréalais" (Tribute to Montreal's Great Artists) highlights the contribution of the creative minds and forces behind Montreal’s reputation as an exceptional North American city. Since 2010, this series of murals created pays homage to the creative talents who have made outstanding contributions to the local, national and international reach of the city’s cultural scene.

PAUL-ÉMILE BORDUAS (1905-1960)

In 2010, the project began with the first mural "Manifeste à Paul-Émile Borduas" painted by Thomas Csano (in collaboration with calligrapher Luc Saucier) at the intersection of Saint-Denis/Emery.

The mural paid homage to Borduas’ contribution to Quebec’s artistic and social development by graphically assembling visual elements from six of the artist’s paintings. Also included in the mural are excerpts taken from "Refus global". 

The word MANIFESTE is shown using the original typography from the first edition of the manifest published in 1948. The barcode is a modern sign for the Automatistes, a critical look at conformism and the consumerist society.

In 2011, MU produced a new mural also by Thomas Csano on the south wall of the same alleyway, thereby creating a feeling of complete immersion in the artistic corridor leading to the Grande Bibliothèque.

It is meant to be a more modern take on Borduas’ legacy. The text, written in a more contemporary typography (as opposed to the original typography of the word ‘Manifeste’), highlights Paul-Émile Borduas, the man, as well as the more critical moments of his life along with key words related to his work. The hand represents the creative act as well as Borduas’ spontaneous artistry.    

Muralist: Thomas Csano

OSCAR PETERSON (1925-2007)

This mural by Gene Pendon pays tribute to the great genius of internationally renowned Montreal pianist Oscar Peterson, in honor of the 5th anniversary of his passing.    

 The mural was painted at habitations Îlots St-Martin (Des Seigneurs/St-Jacques) in 2011.

The imagery was taken directly from the Peterson’s family personal archives. The piano notes channel the famous pianist international career path, depicted at different periods of his life.    

The use of the blues, the purples, the black in the colors and the motifs are a reference to Jazz’s nightlife.  

The work embellishes his neighborhood - he was born and grew up on the Delisle street - showcasing the musical heritage of Little Burgundy.

Muralist: Gene Pendon

 It is located at the intersection LaSalle and Lafleur in the borough of Verdun.

This Japanese-born artist settled in Montreal in 1971. Created in the Nihonga style, her colorful and vibrant artwork often portrays scenes of everyday life in Montreal and can be seen in many international museums.

The mural was completed over a nine-week period by muralist Annie Hamel and MU artistic team.    

It which unfolds along the pedestrian tunnel linking the main entrance of the Champ-de-Mars metro station to Old Montreal. 

Thanks to a kaleidoscope of color, the 1,000 linear foot tunnel is now a fun, modern, vibrant and inviting passageway!

Muralist: Philippe Allard

ALYS ROBI (1923-2011)

Covering the wall of the Lion d’Or Cabaret, the mural created by Dan Buller and Rupert Bottenberg pays tribute to Alys Robi, her career, her passion and her determination, but it also celebrates the golden years of Montreal cabarets (the 1940s). 

The large-scale portrait of Alys Robi is rendered in shades of blue to reflect her Québécois heritage and the Blue Note jazz aesthetics of the time.    

The background consists of references to the singer’s life illustrated as an array of graphic elements.

Muralists: Rupert Bottenberg and Dan Buller

Muralist Rafael Sottolichio and Michel Tremblay

He will now be immortalized on the wall of Habitations Albert, near the Parc des Jazzmen, by muralists Dan Buller and Five Eight. 

Oliver Jones and Dan Buller