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Jean-Noël Poliquin
Wall treatment (1986)
Polymer concrete and stainless steel
Location: throughout the station
After more than 30 years of exposure to everyday Montréal life, this artwork was ready for its first major maintenance to cover up graffiti and restore its former colours.
Because the mural has been repainted several times over the years, its original colours were identified via laboratory analyses conducted by the Centre de Conservation du Québec. The analyses were also used to determine how to repair damage and what type of paint to use for the restoration, which was done on site during station operating hours.
Our team of painters then got to work, taking great care to preserve the original orange-peel texture of the panels’ surface and thus keep the piece intact.
The restoration involved removing all posters, preparing the surface, temporarily relocating equipment, and finally priming and painting. In the end, our painters’ meticulous work resulted in a brilliantly rehabilitated piece of Montréal culture.
On the brightly coloured polymer concrete walls, the artist has placed an ingeniously designed stainless steel element that performs a variety of functions as it continues through the station. At times a handrail, arm rest, support for seats or signs, this artwork is truly versatile.
Did you know?
You can find another sculpture by Jean-Noël Poliquin in the Montréal Botanical Garden, to the west of the main greenhouse.
About the artist
Born in Trois-Rivières, Jean-Noël Poliquin (1927-1999) devoted much of his life to teaching art to children. He was also deeply interested in Inuit art, a member of the former Canadian Eskimo Arts Council.
Click on these pictures to enlarge them.
