On August 11, the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation and the City of Montreal announced the creation of a mural in tribute to Jean Paul Riopelle. Tribute, in his hometown, fully deserved for what many consider to be the greatest Canadian painter. During this announcement, however, no mention of that of September 24, 2021. Neither from the actors of this project nor from the media. And for good reason !
Posted at 9:00 a.m.
Less than 11 months ago, we were promised a mural “on a prestigious site located at the corner of Sherbrooke and Peel streets, in the heart of downtown Montreal”. Prestigious location, indeed, on the most beautiful artery of Montreal, a short distance from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the McCord Museum. The photos that accompanied the press release showed the full potential of the site.
Today, we learn that this mural will adorn the west wall of an apartment building located at 625 Milton Street, just east of University Street, in the heart of the McGill ghetto. We are far from prestige, both for the street and for the building. A simple visit is enough to realize it. We’re looking for the link with Riopelle.
But what is even more serious is the fact that this mural will be, so to speak, hidden from view by Montrealers and visitors. It will not be visible from Sherbrooke Street or downtown.
It will be partly from University Street, at the corner of Milton Street, if you know where to look. It will be partially accessible from avenue du Docteur-Penfield, at the corner of rue McTavish, currently closed due to major works. In fact, the most beautiful point of view will be on the parterre in front of the McGill University Arts Building (finally a link?). And again, not to its full height. In short, we will not see it unless we do it on purpose, which would not have been the case at the location originally planned.
PHOTO YAN DOUBLET, LE SOLEIL ARCHIVES
The Riopelle space at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec
Montreal has lost to Quebec City a pavilion dedicated to the work of this giant. This pavilion will house “the most important public collection of works by Riopelle”, more than 450 pieces. Today, we must see that the city where Riopelle was born and studied (Polytechnic School, School of Fine Arts, School of Furniture) has nothing better to offer than a hidden mural. When we compare to what was done for Leonard Cohen, there is reason to be sorry. To wonder if we are still banishing the signatories of Global refusal.
The Foundation is probably doing everything it can. But the Montreal institutions, they? And the City? Especially the city!
Riopelle truly deserves better.