Why are these 65 figures gathered here? This is La Foule illuminée. It is a sculpture created in 1985 by Franco-British artist Raymond Mason. The artwork was installed on June 25 1986. Its location is on the esplanade of 1981 McGill College in Montreal.
La Foule illuminée is made from stratified polyester resin with polyurethane paint. The sculpture depicts people of all ages races and conditions. They stand on four platforms. La Foule illuminée evokes the degradation of the human race. It also symbolizes the fragility of the human condition.
Look closely at the figures. Notice their diverse facial expressions. The artist intended to capture a wide range of human emotions. Illumination hope and hilarity are present. Irritation fear and even violence are visible too. La Foule illuminée shows the flow of man’s emotion through space.
The sculpture measures 3.14 meters high 8.60 meters long and 3.20 meters wide. It is a polychrome work. This suggests a strong light illuminating the crowd from the front. The light could come from a performance a fire or an ideal. This strong light casts shadows within the crowd.
As the light diminishes toward the back the mood changes. Rowdiness disorder and violence begin to occur. This illustrates the fragile nature of humanity.
The plaque at the base of La Foule illuminée further explains the sculpture. It speaks of a crowd gathered facing the light. The light symbolizes an event an ideology or an ideal. However as the light fades negativity takes over.
Raymond Mason’s La Foule illuminée invites reflection. It prompts us to consider the forces that unite and divide us. It reminds us of the importance of hope and the dangers of degradation. It is a powerful statement on the human condition. Take a moment to reflect on its message. What does La Foule illuminée say to you?