Realism

Realism, sometimes called naturalism, is generally the attempt to represent subject matter truthfully, without artificiality and avoiding speculative fiction and supernatural elements.

  • The Medicine Tree

    According to various sources the Blackfoot considered the unique Cottonwood tree to be a sign of prosperity with healing powers from the spirits. They often left offerings of food, tobacco and arrowheads beneath its branches as offerings to the spirits for good medicine and blessings on the land. It has also been said that the tree was believed to have spiritual and healing powers and was a favourite First Nations camping place.

    Artist: Brent Laycock, 1990

  • Old Woman’s Buffalo Jump

    The Old Women’s buffalo jump ( “Old” refers to the age
    of the jump) is located 13 km south of High River. It was
    discovered during a flash flood in 1952. Excavations in 1958/59 revealed bones and artifacts over 2000 years
    old. Before the Plains tribes had horses and guns, they
    would run herds of buffalo off steep cliffs. Warriors
    would wait below with arrows, knives and clubs to kill
    any animals which survived the fall.

    Artist: Steve Jones, 1990

  • Chuckwagon Races

    At the 1923 Calgary Stampede, Guy Weadick introduced
    the ‘Cowboy’s Chuckwagon Race’, and it became one of
    the most popular events. Each year in June, High River
    hosts the North American Chuckwagon Championships.
    The drivers in this mural have won a combined total of
    14 Calgary Stampede championships and 11 World
    Professional Chuckwagon Association Championships.

    Artist: Paul Van Ginkel, 1993

  • Botanical Bilberry Mural

    This mural was painted at Ollie Quinn, an eyeglass store on Queen West. During International Women’s Day, every OQ boutique showcased the works of women artists throughout the month of March. I chose to paint a bilberry plant because they’re used as a supplement to support eye health. The botanical painting style blends nature, tradition and elegance into this trendy boutique.

  • The Optical Illusion Box

    From 1 specific vantage point, this box turns into an optical illusion. Once a solid grey, 4-sided structure, it now looks like an open frame revealing the trees that used to be hidden behind. Framing a section of nature in this way, brings a heightened sense of awareness and appreciation for the natural landscape around us. Additionally, as the seasons and climate changes, summer can still be enjoyed—and nature preserved—inside this box at Eglinton Flats.

    To see the illusion, stand on the red arrow (the vantage point) by the crosswalk. Aim your camera at the box and move it up and down until the edges of the actual sidewalk lines up with the edges of the painted sidewalk on the box. Voila!

  • Hommage à Denise Pelletier

    L’œuvre a été réalisée dans le cadre de la collection Hommage aux bâtisseurs culturels montréalais, qui vise à reconnaître l’inestimable contribution des créateurs de la métropole de différentes disciplines artistiques, qu’ils soient montréalais d’origine ou d’adoption, au rayonnement local, national et international.
    This artwork is part of the Montreal’s Great Artists series, which aims to honour the contributions of the city’s brightest creative minds. Montrealers by birth or by choice, their work has left an indelible mark on a wide variety of artistic disciplines at local, national and international levels.

  • Hommage à Alanis Obomsawin

    Conçue par Meky Ottawa, une artiste Atikamekw de la relève, la murale célèbre l’engagement de Mme Obomsawin dans la défense des Premières Nations, et plus particulièrement des droits et de l’éducation des enfants autochtones.
    Designed by emerging Atikamekw artist Meky Ottawa, the mural celebrates Ms. Obomsawin’s commitment to the defense of First Nations, and more specifically the rights and education of Aboriginal children.

  • Coexistence

    CASE a choisi de représenter la relation paradoxale qui lie l’humain à la nature en se focalisant, comme à son habitude, sur la main dont la gestuelle permet d’être comprise de tous-tes. En prenant pour modèle une personne locale, il ancre plus encore son œuvre sur le territoire dans lequel elle se trouve.
    The artist CASE chose to represent the paradoxical relationship that binds humans to nature by drawing attention to an open hand, a familiar gesture that draws viewers forward. He used a local as a model for the work, thus anchoring the mural into a Montreal-specific context.

  • Ensemble

    The design of this 650 square feet mural painted by Rafael Sottolichio evokes the human values that the Patro center itself conveys through its community involvement. It also celebrates the Patro’s 100th anniversary: “100 years in the hearts of the people”. The two silhouettes in the foreground represent the heart of the Patro: a couple, friends, family members, two people of different cultures or of different generations. All the figurative elements are taken from photographs belonging to the Patro archives. Inspired by his visits to the center, Rafael Sottolichio chose to juxtapose different styles by including graphic as well as black and white photographic elements obtained from the Patro archives.

  • Swing Out

    2018 Bell Box project mural celebrating life through swing dancing and music. The front side features a couple of swing dancers in vintage clothing doing a swing out. The back side of the Bell Box features the swing band that provides the groove to dance to.

  • Glenwood Railway Mural

    Artist: Brenda Rowe This mural was commissioned by the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department to be placed on the historic Glenwood Train Station. The Station is the oldest building in Glenwood and was moved to it’s current location to be preserved and serve as a community gathering place and recreation area. The Railway was very important…

  • Intersections

    This mural, entitled “Intersections,” was created by student artists as part of a youth summer training initiative run by Mural Routes. The artwork represents the intersection between fantasy and reality, depicting harmony between the faces of young people and their community at the junction of two roads.