Description
The artwork Gagner son ciel by Étienne Boulanger, created for the Musée Louis-Hémon in 2024, is part of the Policy for the Integration of Arts into Architecture and the Environment. Drawing inspiration from Low Poly Art, the piece consists of a collection of polygons forming three intertwined tree stumps and their roots.
- The golden, radiant color of the artwork highlights the forecourt of Saint-Édouard Church. It evokes the sacred contribution to the colonization of the region, represented by the three stumps. These stumps symbolize the result of the hard work of Péribonka's pioneers, who cleared the land and served as inspiration for Louis Hémon in shaping the characters of Maria Chapdelaine.
- The roots represent the deep and complex ties forged over time between the land, the citizens of Péribonka, their heritage, and the story of Maria Chapdelaine.
- Finally, the popular expression "gagner son ciel" (literally "earning one's heaven") resonates with the physical toil of Péribonka's pioneers, the sacred significance of the site where the artwork is placed, and the three suitors of Maria Chapdelaine, each striving to win her heart.
Through this piece, the artist invites the audience to reflect on the challenges of clearing the land, the role of the Church in this endeavor, and the lasting impact of Maria Chapdelaine on collective imagination—creating a visual bridge between the past and the present.
Artist Biography
Étienne Boulanger, holding a master's degree in research and creation from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, is a sculptor, producer, and educator specializing in visual and digital arts. For 20 years, he has been creating artworks that seamlessly integrate into the environments for which they are designed, sparking reflection and fresh perspectives on the social characteristics, history, and purpose of a given place.
His ingenious approach transforms everyday objects into poetic experiences, challenging established balances and predefined notions. Firmly believing that art fosters a sense of belonging to public spaces, Étienne Boulanger seeks to expand artistic work into new territories—where art seamlessly blends into daily life, offering visitors unexpected and engaging experiences.