Art in the Subway 3 Montreal by MagikUnicorn
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Description
Another Art in the Subway...
Even before the beginning of its construction in the early 60s, Montréal’s métro was promised to have a style of its own: Every station was to be conceived by a distinct architect. Instead of travelling on a system where all stations are alike – which is the case for most metros in the world – Montrealers would commute in a system where every station is unique and decorated with artworks. In fact, initiators of the project, leaded by mayor Jean Drapeau, insisted that art be integrated to stations. Thenceforth, the population of Montréal came into contact with an aspect of our culture that was until then only seen in museums.
Artworks are not found in all 26 stations of the 1966 original system. By then, financing of art usually relied on the generosity of companies or organizations. Besides, artworks where not automatically included in stations’ plans, but integrated afterwards. The métro’s first artwork was inaugurated in 1967 – more than a year after the opening of the métro. It was Frederic Back’s painted glass mural at Place-des-Arts and was donated by Steinberg’s, the former food store chain. Other donators of that period, were: Gouvernment of Québec (Champ-de-Mars), the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Sherbrooke), Caisses populaires Desjardins (Crémazie and Berri-UQAM), the Société des Artisans (Papineau) and the Macdonald Tobacco Co. (McGill).
The painter and caricaturist Robert LaPalme acted as art director for the integration of art in the métro. He showed a clear preference for representational works that would recall Montréal’s history. Themes chosen to be exploited in some stations had been included in a list. Among them: A mural recalling the produce growers and the feed and vegetable markets of Montreal at Saint-Laurent station; the passage from the French to the English regimes at Jarry; Kings that ruled over Canada at Rosemont; The arrival of les Filles du Roi at Jean-Talon; the creative and eccentric elements of the city at Beaudry. These are all projects that were never realised due to lack of funding. On the other hand, artist Marcelle Ferron held on to her idea and succeeded to impose an abstract stained-glass work for Champ-de-Mars station – certainly one of the network’s most spectacular work...
Comments (54)
thecytron
AmaZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzing ambiance lighting!
greyone
Gorgeous capture of this. We moved away from Montreal in 1969, I was 12 at the time, so have some memories of it but don't remember ever riding the subway when there.
kbrog
Excellent POV and capture! :)
VEDES
Amazing capture!!!!
1010
Beautiful!
drifterlee
THis is really cool, Magik!
psyoshida
What a great idea. That would make going to work a joy. Wonderful shot!!
emmecielle
Splendid shot! :)
flavia49
amazing shot
bobrgallegos
A very beautiful capture with very informative comment!! Awesome work Magik!!
Star4mation
Fantastic painting Magik. Excellently photographed :)
Flint_Hawk
This is amazing!
Jay-el-Jay
I really like this idea of having artwork in the subway stations and that each one is unique with a look of its own.Great photo of this colorful work.
JuliSonne
It is an interesting story. The city planners had a great idea. If I live in montreal at some point my visit, I drive in any case with the subway. A class picture wall!
UteBigSmile
TOTALLY AMAZING!
mininessie
great!
jendellas
Makes your journey far more interesting, amazing art!!
mariogiannecchini
Very cool history of the 'underground art' ! Fabtastic image !
1358
metro stations around the world should have looked in on this project from the beginning... the one in Calgary is a sterile mess of concrete and glass, only lately have they considered putting any "style" into the stations...Montreal Metro is a world class experience!
evielouise
I have to travel down town La to see this kind of art but hate going there that's where all the crazies are lol great photos
Euxeb007
superbe fresque !
Glendaw
Very interesting history. The artists were very creative, and left some awesome displays beind for all to enjoy. Thanks for sharing Magik.
RodS
Beautiful shot, Real!
danapommet
This has been a wonderful 'subway' series my friend and I really like the transitition of history from left to right.