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Art Public

Ville de Montréal

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Michel De Broin

Dendrites

2017
Presentation of the artwork
Dendrites is composed of two huge staircases sculptures. Placed on either side of Rue Notre-Dame and integrated at the north threshold of the Bonaventure project, the hybrid-shaped sculptures emerge from the ground like two great industrial-looking trees. Similar in morphology, these structures stand out for their size and twisting shapes. The weathering steel used as the main material refers to the manufacturing past of the district where the work is installed. The ochre colour of the oxidized surfaces bears a resemblance to tree trunks.

The term “dendrite” refers to the branched extensions of neurons, which propagate cerebral stimulations from the brain. It also means a ramification, a tree-like grouping of branchings of a network or system. The two elements that form the work reproduce this neuronal phenomenon on the scale of the landscape. The branches that spread parallel to the ground take the form of staircases that visitors can take to reach the ends of the ramifications. Whether visitors view it from the ground or climb its staircases, the work plays on effects of scale. On either side of the street, the two elements face each other, communicate with each other, giving the impression that they are connected in the middle of this vehicular and pedestrian intersection.
Associated events
Dendrites was produced in the context of the Bonaventure expressway redevelopment project at the entrance to downtown Montreal, which constitutes a legacy for the 375th anniversary of the foundation of Montréal. The project was chosen as the result of a pan-Canadian competition by invitation launched in 2016.
Michel De Broin
Born in Montréal, Michel de Broin holds a bachelor's degree in visual arts from Concordia University (1995) and a master's degree in visual and media arts from the Université du Québec à Montréal (1997). His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and he has produced a number of temporary and permanent works of public art, including Dendrites (2016) at Parc Kirchberg (Luxembourg). He uses metaphor to offer reflections on the public, social, and political spheres.
Awards and honours
  • Le Prix Sobey Art, 2007
  • Le Prix Reconnaissance UQAM, 2006
  • Le prix Québec-Capitale, fondation Découverte, 1998
  • lauréat/lauréate, Prix Pierre-Ayot, 2002
  • Prix Graff, 2006
Details
Category
Fine Arts
Subcategory
Sculpture
Collection name
Public art
Date completed
2017
Mode of acquisition
Public commission from the Ville de Montréal (competition by invitation)
Accession date
December 5, 2016
Technique(s)
assembled, welded
Materials
Corten steel; galvanized steel
General dimensions
élément nord: 8 x 5 x 2,5 m élément sud: 6 x 4,5 x 2 m
Manufacturer
  • Lafontaine Iron Werks Inc
Dendrites
Borough
Ville-Marie
Civic address
Intersection du boulevard Robert-Bourassa et de la rue Notre-Dame Ouest