“The speed of a place is physically impossible to measure” The words of the artists Jasmin Bilodeau Sebastien Giguère and Nicolas Laverdière of the Quebec collective BGL echo in my mind as I stand before their creation La vitesse des lieux. This isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a statement.
La vitesse des lieux is a monumental artwork. It stands at the Henri-Bourassa-Pie-IX intersection in Montreal-Nord. The piece was chosen in 2013. It was completed in 2015 as part of the intersection’s redevelopment. The sculpture’s unique design resembles a Ferris wheel. Five curved silhouettes evoke buses. They are placed atop eight columns of openwork steel. It’s static yet suggests movement. The artist’s playful spirit is evident.
BGL a collective active since 1996 challenges North American lifestyles. Their work often explores social concerns with a playful touch. They’ve created numerous installations in Quebec Canada and internationally. Their work is displayed in prestigious collections like the National Gallery of Canada. They’ve even represented Canada at the Venice Biennale. La vitesse des lieux is a prime example of their talent and vision.
The artwork’s design is a fascinating blend of monumental sculpture and carnivalesque elements. From a distance it dominates the urban landscape. It’s intended to symbolize the constant flow of traffic. It also captures the human movement within the area. It embodies community play vertigo festivity and the pure joy of movement. The sculpture allows for a moment of imagination within a context typically dictated by the efficiency of daily commutes.
The title La vitesse des lieux is itself a clever contradiction. The artists highlight the impossibility of measuring the speed of a place. It is static. Yet the velocity of a place depends on the activity within it. A gym for instance moves much faster than a library. It’s this contrast this playful exploration of the everyday that makes La vitesse des lieux so compelling.
So take a moment to appreciate La vitesse des lieux. Appreciate the cleverness of its design. Let the playful spirit of BGL’s art inspire you. It’s a piece that truly reflects the vibrant energy of Montreal. Remember this isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a reflection of the life that flows around it. The life it embodies. A testament to the unique spirit of this city.