The landscape of Montreal's iconic Jacques Cartier Bridge is set to receive a significant artistic enhancement as The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) has announced the selection of artist Karole Biron to create a major new public artwork for the bridge's South Shore entrance.
Selection Process and Community Input
The artist was chosen through a comprehensive Canada-wide call for applications and proposals issued earlier this year. A specialized selection committee comprising public art experts from both the City of Montreal and the City of Longueuil, along with visual arts specialists and JCCBI representatives, carefully evaluated all submissions.
The selection criteria focused on multiple factors including the relevance and originality of the conceptual approach, the artwork's symbolism, timelessness, and how well it would integrate harmoniously with its surroundings.
Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the final artwork. In September 2024, JCCBI conducted a survey that allowed Canadians to provide input on key aspects of the proposed artwork. The survey results identified History and Heritage as the most popular theme, while the values of Peace and Respect received the most votes from participants.
The Artwork: Intersection
Karole Biron's winning design, titled "Intersection," represents a profound exploration of connection and unity. The artist describes the work as being fundamentally about encounter and relationship.
The sculpture features tapering, asymmetrical pillars that symbolize two shores, two hands, or two solidly anchored bodies. At their meeting point, irregular triangles adorned with latticework form what appears as floating lace, with twists and turns that create a sense of movement and dance.
Biron emphasizes that the work serves as a symbol of unity and harmony, designed to inspire reflection and conjure ideals of peace. The artwork specifically highlights the Jacques Cartier Bridge's essential role in connecting regions and communities across the St. Lawrence River.
Materials and Environmental Considerations
The artwork demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through its material choices. Bronze and stainless steel were selected as primary materials specifically for their recyclable properties and long-lasting durability.
In an innovative approach to material sourcing, some of the bronze used in the latticework consists of scraps collected from a craft foundry, incorporating recycled elements directly into the artistic creation.
The installation of Intersection in 2026 will mark the final stage in the comprehensive redevelopment of the area surrounding the Jacques Cartier Bridge's South Shore entrance. This project represents a significant milestone in Montreal's ongoing cultural and urban development, blending artistic expression with functional infrastructure in a way that honors both history and forward-looking environmental values.
