EXMURO unveils latest public art exhibit
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
On May 14, EXMURO unveiled its latest public art exhibit in Lower Town, which will remain until Jan. 10, 2026. Starting within EXMURO’s headquarters in Place Royale, three artists – Martin Bureau, Isaac Cordal and Pipilotti Rist – expose their works in the building and on the streets.
Curious passersby get a glimpse of Quebec artist Bureau’s latest piece in the building. The waving flags are of his own creation, inspired by five actual flags found at the United Nations. They are part of his piece, Counterfeit Edens for Times of Chaos/Feindre l’Éden Pour un temps le chaos, found on the second floor, where visitors will find a large circular conference table surrounded by fake national flags and burnt, charred office chairs. Bureau created this two-part installation in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada. “This is a sinister reproduction of an international committee, similar to the Security Council at the United Nations,” he said. “It is my interpretation of them being unable to regulate the chaotic world in which we live.”
More mysteries are unveiled beneath the stone arches in the vaults and behind the closed doors of EXMURO’s facilities. To fully appreciate Rist’s work, one needs complete darkness. The Swiss artist created a series of videos projected onto screens and the stone walls of the gallery: Ever is Over All and Sip My Ocean. Visitors can sit on the floor or on large beanbag cushions. Her third piece, Open My Glade, is visible outdoors on the Côte de la Montagne side of the building, from across the street after the sun goes down.
Whether within the building or throughout Lower Town, Spanish artist Cordal invites the public to Follow the Leaders through the Cement Eclipses. “It is my take on the destruction of the capitalist world, what happens to businessmen when the world around them is destroyed,” he said. On one diorama located on the floor in the building, he placed a large frame filled with a destroyed city, in which he placed countless businessmen in varying positions. Focusing on the different individuals and groups from various angles encourages viewers to reflect on the modern world.
More surprises await the public this summer, the first of which is Minigolf Belleville Plaisirs from June 20 to Sept. 1. This first collaboration between EXMURO and the Ateliers Belleville (a.k.a. Lab-545), the Montreal-based artistic hub, had 18 Quebec artists create an artistic twist on a popular summer pastime. Other surprises will be unveiled throughout the season.
In addition to the outdoor installations, EXMURO has opened a coffee shop, Café de l’Aire publique, in the lobby of its headquarters, inviting visitors to discuss art over coffee, tea and treats made by local businesses.
For more information, visit exmuro.com.