In January 2025, artist Yann Lemieux had the opportunity to create a striking mural at the Maison des Luciolesa center for disabled adults. This initiative, part of a cultural mediation approach, goes far beyond a simple visual work: it reflects an inclusive and participative approach, where residents actively contributed to the creation. Yann Lemieux conceived this project to highlight the individuality and unique potential of each participant, while celebrating the local community through art.
First contact
To familiarize themselves with the fireflies, Yann Lemieux first led several creative afternoons with them. They were able to explore various art techniques, all chosen for their stimulating and sensory aspects. These included blacklight paint, original application tools, adding glitter elements and more.
These moments of exchange, greatly facilitated by the benevolent presence of the Maison des lucioles staff, enabled the creation of a bond, a connection between the artist and her future apprentices.
Inspiration embodied by the place of creation
Inspired by the mission of the Maison des Lucioles, which aims to foster the development of its users - called Lucioles in this case - and to recognize and promote the uniqueness of each individual, a work under the sign of light was born.
Many giant lanterns have been designed to project beams of light from a variety of sources: fireflies, fire, aurora borealis, stars, fireworks, glittering planets and more. These multiple lights symbolize the immense potential of Fireflies. The lanterns, for their part, play the role of "home", embodying catalysts. They nurture, preserve and protect the light.
The large collective mural is made up of large wooden panels, each representing a giant lantern. The painting extends beyond the panels onto the surrounding walls, merging a traditional work of art with a mural integrated into the building. As they emerge from the frame, the light from the lanterns reflects that emanating from the Fireflies, a light stimulated and nurtured at that precise spot, the one where the creation took shape.
The overflowing lights on the walls are also a metaphor for what the Maison des Lucioles represents for families and loved ones: a place of help, support and respite.
Poetry
A poetic dimension has been added to the work, thanks to a poem written by artist Geneviève Ricard. This text, which adds emotional and intellectual depth to the whole, has been carefully integrated, enriching the message of hope and solidarity.
Her words waltz in handwritten script, following the path of the aurora borealis that runs through every part of the work.
"Under the celestial vault without walls or ceiling,
A witness to time waking up and fading away,
In the infinitely large hollow of our hands,
We shape from the heart
Sprays of stars.
In tenderness, in joy, in sorrow
And in every flash of life,
It's through the magic of each one of our shares
That we live this dream of shining brighter together.
Then, enveloped by this soft light,
One by one, we create our own constellations."
Teamwork
After the fireflies created a highly colorful abstract background on the walls, Yann Lemieux invited artist Guillaume Plamondon to transform this vibrant base into a coherent, symbolically rich visual.
Their collaboration led to the installation of a work of art that is firmly rooted in its environment and in the image of its residents.
This cultural mediation project not only created beauty for the eyes and the heart, but also strengthened the bonds within the Fireflies community.
The collaboration between Yann Lemieux, the Fireflies, the speakers, Geneviève Ricard, and Guillaume Plamondon resulted in a mural that, in both form and content, embodies the light shared by all.
