Description
This sculpture is part of a series of four wooden works created for the exhibition À la force d’une terre: François, Eutrope, Lorenzo, and Maria.
Referencing the main characters of Louis Hémon’s novel Maria Chapdelaine, the creation of these sculptures offered artist Mathieu Rousseau the opportunity to work with a new material—raw natural wood—and highlight this valuable resource from the northern Lac-Saint-Jean region.
Carved from yellow birch logs and shaped using a mechanical saw, these pieces allowed the artist to establish a symbolic connection between past and present through the use of a tool that reflects the evolution of forestry equipment and techniques. Additionally, the raw finish and saw marks evoke the woodworking traditions of Lac-Saint-Jean residents during the time of Maria Chapdelaine.
The creation of these characters is the result of the interplay between the artist, his tools, and his materials—elements that significantly influence the final outcome.
This work showcases Mathieu Rousseau’s creativity in using lines and materials to express a unique artistic concept, developed throughout the exhibition À la force d’une terre.
Artist Biography
Born in Dolbeau-Mistassini in 1978, Mathieu Rousseau is a multidisciplinary artist working primarily with painting, ceramics, and wood. His work blends figuration and abstraction. His passion lies in painting, which he explores through a skillful use of line and color. His work has been exhibited at various artistic events in Canada and internationally (France, Italy, Spain, and the United States). His creations are part of several collections, including those of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), the Musée Louis-Hémon, and the Mouvement Desjardins.