At Sherbrooke, an air-open gallery.
Murals are the oldest form of art dating back more than 14000 years. Murals can be found adorning prehistoric cave ceilings as well as the great cathedrals of the world. From the pharaonic period frescoes to the Italian Renaissance ; from the Mexican murals to the American New Deal, Murals have served as a decorative and narrative element for all the cultures of the world.
... And today
Today M.U.R.I.R.S. (Murales Urbaines à Revitalisation d’Immeubles et de Réconciliation Sociale) through their monumental efforts have succeeded in reintroducing the art of story telling to our art vocabulary.
After many years of research, the artist Serge Malenfant has joined partners and artists together to make up his organisation. His perseverance and discipline have introduced the population of Sherbrooke to his art; a series of murals that tell the story of our city. More precisely, through a series of exterior thematic murals painted on the sides of disused or less than esthetically pleasing buildings in the downtown area of the city in an effort to improve the urban décor. Using a technique of optical illusion to revitalize and rejuvenate this form of public art.
The first mural was executed in 2002 as part of Sherbrooke’s Bicentennial celebration. This mural is located downtown Sherbrooke on the corner of Dufferin street and Frontenac. Since then a total of 18 murals have been completed to form a circuit that illustrates Sherbrooke’s rich cultural heritage.
These works of art pay homage to preceding generations of creators through the present day generation of creators. The goal is a sustainable tableau of our heritage for future generations.
The role of these murals is to evoke in the passer-by as well as the seasoned artist an appropriation and a different vision of the urban space all scaled to the pedestrian viewer, beautifying an otherwise space all-to-often left to concrete.
The Sherbrooke mural circuit – first of its kind in Canada and largest optical illusion medium in North America has transformed the downtown region into a veritable open-air gallery.
Simply go to the tourist information office located 785 King Street, West in Sherbrooke and choose either the half circuit containing the guided tour of 11 murals or the full tour with its 18 murals.
Wander freely the streets and discover fine dining, museums and charming bistros.
Enjoy your exploration !
M.U.R.I.R.S is proud to have been nominated for, and have been awarded many prizes for its murals.
