A twenty-foot tall dodo. That’s what greets you at Le Chant du Dodo. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a poignant tribute to a species lost. It stands proudly in Michel-Bélanger Park. The park’s Victorian design complements the sculpture perfectly. Artist Myfanwy MacLeod designed Le Chant du Dodo. Her inspiration? A childhood memory of painting a dodo. She chose the dodo for its unusual appearance. It helps us empathize with the marginalized. Dodos from Mauritius went extinct in the late 17th century. Habitat loss hunting and deliberate killing by settlers caused their extinction. The dodo’s lack of fear of humans led to its demise. People thought it was unintelligent. MacLeod’s work is part of the National Bank Collection. It’s one of six sculptures at National Bank Place. A selection committee of art experts chose the works. They nominated artists evaluated proposals and selected the winning projects. Jo-Ann Kane the curator calls Le Chant du Dodo a commentary on our times. It’s a conversation starter about environmental protection and even fundamentalism. It’s also surprisingly joyful. MacLeod’s sculpture is accessible to everyone. It’s located in a public space. This is unlike the intimidating nature of art galleries. This makes her work democratic. The sculpture comments on monuments and the monumental. Historically monuments were built by the elite. They served as tributes to their glory. Even though monarchies have fallen public spaces still show the same conflict. Public art like Le Chant du Dodo transcends these limitations. It’s free and available to all. Lesley Johnstone a selection committee member describes it perfectly. It’s funny and forlorn lonely and majestic all at once. It’s a unique piece of art. It’s a reminder of what we’ve lost and a call to action. Le Chant du Dodo stands as a powerful symbol. It’s a symbol of our past and our future. It’s a must-see in Montreal. So take a moment appreciate the detail the emotion. Let the dodo’s story resonate within you.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to