Djeneba Dosso

LJI Reporter

The City of Gatineau has commissioned a mural for the Allumettières who, 100 years ago, mobilized and then sensitized the community to better working conditions for women during the second labour conflict. The dedicated mural, which is a part of ‘The Allumettières, 100 years later’ project, is currently in progress on the Marché de l’Outaouais (MDO) building. 

“The chosen location for this art piece is no coincidence,” reveals Léo Bret, who is currently in charge of development within the MDO. “Our wall was chosen because it is located in the heart of Old Hull, on Eddy Street. As a result, MDO is ‘the canvas’ of [the mural] painted by Quebec artist Danae Brissonnet.”

Brissonnet, who usually works alone, but created this mural with the help of her mother, specializes in public murals, illustrations, mask making and puppetry. Her work, which can be found on buildings across Canada, Mexico and the U.S., is easily distinguished through its bright colours and bold shapes. The Quebec muralist, who draws a clear emphasis on symbolism, mythology and metaphor in her work, lets her artistic process be guided by dreams. 

“I think about a theme for several days, do some research and then the images come naturally,” she told the Gatineau Bulletin. “For this mural, feathery colours came up a lot, as did themes like jaws lost to white phosphorus and female workers on industrial assembly lines, like little people entering a big machine. I also reflected on the poetry of matches: instantaneity, light, fire, creation and destruction and the oppositions between life and death.”

For the young muralist, the location of this piece was a no-brainer, as it is closely linked to the values of solidarity and community “just like the associations that promote local products and mutual aid,” she said. The sentiment was shared by the MDO. 

“We’re very pleased with this initiative. It’s a work of art that belongs to everyone, and that everyone should make their own in order to enjoy it to the fullest,” Bret said. “This initiative a great opportunity for us to continue promoting our activities and we hope that the City of Gatineau will continue with similar projects in the future.” 

Brissonnet, who is currently finalizing the mural on 71 Eddy Street, will also be creating a puppet show around the Allumettières women to inaugurate the mural. The details of the show have yet to be released but she expressed her excitement on her role in this project. 

“The Allumettières created the first women’s union in Quebec, and I think that’s an incredible story to tell.” 

Photo caption: 

Photo #1: Quebec muralist Danae Brissonnet poses with her mother in front of the almost-finished mural on 71 Eddy Street. The piece was commissioned by the City of Gatineau to honour the Allumettières for their work 100 years ago to improve working conditions and promote better wages for women. (DD) Photo: Courtesy