P’eau douce, 2004, artwork by Marc Dulude. Photo credits: Marc Dulude.

P’eau douce, 2004, artwork by Marc Dulude. Photo credits: Marc Dulude.

P’eau douce, 2004, artwork by Marc Dulude. Photo credits: Marc Dulude.

P’eau douce, 2004, artwork by Marc Dulude. Photo credits: Marc Dulude.

P’eau douce, 2004, artwork by Marc Dulude. Photo credits: Marc Dulude.

P’eau douce, 2004, artwork by Marc Dulude. Photo credits: Marc Dulude.

Photo credits: Michel Dubreuil

Regard et tain [Gaze and glint]

Materials :
Mirror, plaster, wood
Dimensions :
485 (h) x 365 (l) x 365 (d) cm
Medium :
Temporary installation

Context :
Work produced and presented as part of Chemins et tracés, the 10th edition of the artistic event titled Les jardins du Précambrien in Val-David during the summer of 2009.

Setting up a fountain in the heart of a forest is a challenge that only an artist would accept. Yet, its stunning presence makes us aware of the urban value of this type of construction, as well as the possibilities for discussion that can arise from its encounter along the secondary path that visitors will take to get there. The paradox of its imposing and unexpected presence constitutes an ideal pretense for comments. Playing on several registers, the architectural vocabulary of the work is drawn both from the Italian Renaissance – with its volutes, cherubs, and moldings – and the hunter’s cabin or the Quebec chalet- with its deer heads. The gold of the decorative motifs gives it a preciousness, as well as a kitsch dimension that creep in through the deer head motifs. At the bottom of the fountain are a series of mirrors in lieu of water: the fountain is partially reflected in it, leaving way for the surrounding trees, and the person looking down at it. The sharp angles of the mirrors break up the landscape, while reflecting the light that filters through the branches.

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