{"id":63326,"date":"2017-06-05T15:12:25","date_gmt":"2017-06-05T19:12:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artpublicmontreal.ca\/?p=63326\/"},"modified":"2017-06-27T11:29:01","modified_gmt":"2017-06-27T15:29:01","slug":"la-balade-pour-la-paix-uniting-the-peoples-of-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/artpublicmontreal.ca\/en\/2017\/06\/la-balade-pour-la-paix-uniting-the-peoples-of-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"La Balade pour la Paix, uniting the peoples of the world"},"content":{"rendered":"

The major international public art exhibition La Balade pour la Paix: An Open-Air Museum <\/em>is open on\u00a0Sherbrooke Street West.\u00a0Designed and organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), with the support of McGill University, the exhibition runs from June 5th to October 29th along one kilometre.<\/p>\n

MBAM \u2013Montreal, June 5, 2017<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Since the theme of Montreal\u2019s 375th anniversary is building bridges, the MMFA has taken the initiative to bring together two museums and two universities in this inspirational artistic and educational project in the heart of the city. La Balade pour la Paix<\/em> links, for the very first time, two of Montreal\u2019s major institutional and international sectors \u2013 Concordia University and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts at one end, and McGill University and the McCord Museum at the other.\u00a0This exhibition also commemorates two other important events: the 50th anniversary of Expo 67 and the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The Balade<\/em> is a reminder of how Expo 67, attended by 50 million visitors, was a window on the world \u2013 a watershed moment for Quebec and Canada.<\/p>\n

An exhibition inspired by peace and sharing<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The route features 67 stations (30 sculptures and 42 photographs) by Canadian and international artists. It is lined with the flags of the close to 200 member countries of the United Nations, along with those of Canada\u2019s 13 provinces and territories. In reference to the UN Headquarters in New York City, the installation is a reminder that Montreal remains an island of peace for so many immigrants in the 21st century who have fled political, economic and climate-related tragedies.<\/p>\n

\"\"Along the route, 42 sets of photographs are displayed on the front and back of 21 stands. Visitors can stroll along Sherbrooke Street among works by contemporary Montreal photographers who have travelled the world to capture images inspired by openness, peace and diversity. This public \u201calbum\u201d illustrates the importance of living together in harmony and promotes fundamental elements in an innovative conception of otherness. A variety of approaches are shown, including documentary photography and the photographic essay, in which art and life are closely intertwined. The photographers capture their subjects in a generous and humane way. Some turn their lens on the environment and Earth\u2019s riches, while others invite us to marvel at the places that inspired them. The images speak to the sculptures in the exhibition, creating a dynamic narrative.<\/p>\n

\"\"A total of 30 monumental sculptures by contemporary artists from 11 countries and Canada\u2019s five regions have been chosen to reflect Montreal\u2019s universal artistic ethos.\u00a0Solidarity, reconciliation, ecology, feminism, democracy and freedom are some of the subjects approached by renowned artists such as\u00a0Joe Fafard (Saskatchewan), Catherine Sylvain (Qu\u00e9bec), Charles Joseph (Kwakiutl nation), Robert Davidson (Ha\u00efda nation),\u00a0Wim Delvoye (Belgium), Wang Shugang (China) and Jonathan Borofsky (United-States).<\/p>\n

The monumental abstract sculpture Man (Three Disks)<\/em>, by American artist Alexander Calder, originally gifted to Montreal for Expo 67, has been restored for the occasion and installed in front of the MMFA.<\/p>\n

App and guided tours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visitors can download the 375MTL app at www.375mtl.com\/app<\/a> to access educational content (audio and texts) as they explore La Balade pour la Paix.\u00a0<\/em>From the opening date,\u00a0MMFA volunteers will be offering guided tours of the portion of the exhibition between the MMFA and Peel Street. In addition, McGill University will be offering tours of works displayed on its campus.<\/p>\n

MMFA Guided tours schedule<\/p>\n