Cherry Sculpture

What whispers of freedom does a cherry hold? Here at the Cherry sculpture, also known as Liberté, liberté chérie, those whispers become a roar. Created by Marcel Barbeau in 1986, this isn’t just a sculpture, it’s a statement. It’s a dance of white steel against the backdrop of Lake St. Louis. The Cherry sculpture embodies more than just its physical form. It’s an echo of the artist’s journey, a rebellion against conformity. Barbeau, a Montreal native, was once a student of Paul-Émile Borduas, the heart of the Automatists movement. This movement, a cry against the constraints of tradition, found its voice in the Refus global manifesto. Barbeau, a signatory of this powerful declaration, poured that same spirit of freedom into the Cherry. Look closely. The sculpture’s sharp angles and curves aren’t just aesthetic choices. They create spaces, invitations for us to step inside, to become part of the art. We measure the sculpture not with our eyes, but with our bodies, navigating the twists and turns, feeling the wind that once inspired its sail-like forms. This interactive experience is intentional. It blurs the line between observer and art, reminding us that freedom isn’t just something to be admired, but something to be lived. The Cherry sculpture wasn’t always a solitary figure. It was born from a series of smaller steel experiments, each exploring the interplay of planes and curves. It was created for the Symposium de la sculpture de Lachine in 1986, a testament to the city’s commitment to art and industry. But its story doesn’t end there. In 1999, the sculpture took on a new role, becoming the stage for a performance by Jocelyne Montpetit. It appeared again in the film “Barbeau libre comme l’art,” a tribute to the artist and his lifelong pursuit of freedom. So, as you stand here, at the edge of Lake St. Louis, remember the whispers of the cherry. Remember the spirit of rebellion that shaped it. Remember that freedom, like art, is an experience to be embraced.