The art of being unique together

"𝑪𝒂𝒎 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 ...

It's thought-provoking to hear these words come from the mouth of a teenager. They bring us back to the true essence of art, beyond its commercialization and the openings often associated with a certain bourgeoisism, wrongly, I would say. Art should be a space free of judgment where self-expression is valued, where the simple act of creating is paramount, much more than the result or its value.

The "The Art of Being Unique Together" project was a meaningful experience, inviting young people from four shelters to reflect on their identity - their past, present, and future.

Through various artistic explorations, some guided by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) and others by myself in the field of street art, they have given birth to works rich in meaning.

At the heart of this project is creativity, even at the opening ceremony, where each guest had the opportunity to make their mark by personalizing four graffiti-adorned guitars. These guitars will now bring color to the walls of the foyers where they will be on permanent display.

I would also like to warmly thank all those who generously contributed by providing objects for the realization of these workshops.

In addition to the practical workshops, those participating in the project also visited other exhibitions presented at the MNBAQ. These experiences aimed to introduce young people to other artistic approaches. The goal was to enrich the works they were currently creating.

The project is both an opportunity to explore different art forms, but also a way for young people to define themselves in ways other than the labels that are sometimes imposed on them.

A positive impact on the lives of young people

Geneviève Tessier, psychoeducator and professional coordinator at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, explains that the search for identity is an essential element in adolescent development, particularly after experiencing more difficult times. Learning to know oneself better allows one to make choices more consistent with one's future aspirations. The explorations made by young people throughout the creative process also promote the development of self-esteem.

Ms. Tessier says that at the opening, one of the participants spoke to share the benefits the project had had on his daily life. He had experienced a hectic and challenging year. The workshops allowed him to express himself freely in a safe space.

It was important that young people were involved in all phases of the project's development. From the design of the works until the installation was set up, they played a central role. It was the young artists who determined how their works were going to be arranged in space.

An immersive exhibition

The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first brings together works that take the form of graffiti. The second presents paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Questions related to identity are interwoven throughout the installations. These questions guided the young people in their artistic approach. They allow visitors to better interpret the works, while serving as a starting point for personal reflections."

Olivier Alain (Quebec, 2024, February 1). "The art of being unique together, learning to know each other." Monsaintroch - Arts and culture, community life on the website https://monsaintroch.com/. Accessed March 4, 2024

Full article: https://monsaintroch.com/2024/lart-detre-unique-ensemble-apprendre-a-se-connaitre/