Mural Les portes du temps

 in Partners’ Activities / News and Activities by

In collaboration with Mile End Memories, the SDC Laurier West, the City of Montréal and the boutique Ombres et couleurs – Benjamin Moore, the mural Les Portes du Temps was created by artists AnkhOne & Nicole Boyce in spring 2024. The mural stems from an artistic and symbolic concept. As such, it invites visitors to step through an imaginary doorway to explore different eras in the history of the Mile End district.

Follow our artists : @ankh_one & @nicoleboyce_art

AnkhOne & Nicole Boyce

AnkhOne & Nicole Boyce

THEMES AND MOTIFS

Les Portes du Temps explores the theme of past and future through a captivating interplay of light, color and symbolism. Indeed, on the left-hand wall are iconic historical photographs and an elderly figure. These elements evoke a sense of reflection and nostalgia about the past, represented by a deliberate absence of light and color.

Passé du Mile End sur le mur du Lio Fratelli

Mile End’s past on the wall of Lio Fratelli

As the eye moves to the right, the gradual introduction of vibrant hues and images symbolizes the present and the future. Flowers and hands embody resilience, beauty and the journey of life, linked by a unifying central motif. In this way, the interplay of light, color and symbolism aims to inspire contemplation of the passage of time. At the same time, it instills a hopeful anticipation for the future of the Mile End community.
Futur du Mile End sur le mur du Optical Center

Mile End’s future on the wall of the Optical Center

CONTEXT

We’re at the intersection of Saint-Urbain and Laurier Ouest, a strategic crossroads that opens onto iconic neighborhood streets and landmarks which has always been a witness to its history and the passage of time. People of diverse ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds share the pleasure of living here.

Les artistes à l’œuvre lors de la deuxième édition du Mile End en Fête

Artists at work during the second edition of Mile End en Fête

This project was made possible thanks to financial support from the City of Montreal through the Programme d’art mural. SDC Laurier West is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the avenue as a commercial destination. Mile End Memories is the neighborhood’s historical society. It provides the public with keys to the past, as well as tools to anchor the present and build the future.
L’inauguration a eu lieu le 20 juin dernier au Optical Center

The inauguration took place on June 20 at the Optical Center.

Acknowledgements: Mélanie Leavitt, Joshua Wolfe & Nathalie Tremblay (Mémoire du Mile End), Marie Sterlin & Marie Plourde (Conseillères du district du Mile End), Gérard Castonguay (Ombres & Couleurs), Elisabeth Coelho (Lio Fratelli), Gabriel Dallaire (SDC Laurier Ouest), Étienne Groleau (Benjamin Moore), Roxanna Ionas (AGAME), Mikaël Carriau / AnkhOne, Nicole Boyce (artistes), Thibault, Tanguay et Samuel (Optical Center).

With the support of: