Yves Trudeau
Le phare du Cosmos
1967
© Yves Trudeau / SOCAN (2022), © Succession Yves Trudeau / CARCC, Ottawa (2024)
crédit: Marc-Olivier Bécotte, 2022
Presentation of the artwork
Created for the 1967 World Fair, this imposing artwork was installed in Place de l’Univers, near the Man the Explorer thematic pavilion, and became a visual reference point for all visitors to Expo 67. The blue-coloured sculpture, originally audio-kinetic, is formed of three parts. Its shape is related to that of giant robot or a lighthouse. Three feet form its base, which is topped by a trunk and a head. The surfaces are textured with geometrical and mechanical motifs.
The artwork is inspired by great space exploration discoveries as well as spectacular breakthroughs in electronics, particularly that of the computer. It expresses the universal values of knowledge and peace.
Associated events
The artwork was commissioned by Seagram for Expo 67, a site of convergence of nations. Twenty-two sculptors were invited to produce an artwork, including Yves Trudeau.
Yves Trudeau
Yves Trudeau received his training at the École des beaux-arts de Montréal. In 1960, he was one of the founders of the Association des sculpteurs du Québec, which later became the Conseil de la sculpture du Québec. He taught at Université du Québec à Montréal, and his works have been presented in numerous solo and group exhibitions. The Côte-Vertu Métro station, inaugurated in 1986, contains his artwork Relief, négatif positif, consisting of two stainless-steel murals.
Yves Trudeau is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and became a member of the Order of Canada in 1995.
Yves Trudeau is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and became a member of the Order of Canada in 1995.
