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The lip mural mystery
The art in question is, of course, the steamy lip mural behind Place des Arts, at the corner of Jeanne-Mance and Ontario. According to Montreal cartographer David Widgington, the mural has been up there for over 20 years. For that reason, Widgington decided to highlight the mural in his book Montreal Up Close: A Pedestrian's Guide to the City, co-authored with Kirk Johnson. Explains Widgington: "It's supposed to be symbolic of the hot Montreal summer: red lips, mouth open and steam rising around the hot sun. It's in really good shape, considering how long it's been up there--it's not peeling or cracking at all." Unfortunately, says Widgington, his research failed to turn up some key information: exactly who painted it, for whom and the date it was completed all remain a mystery. Montreal Up Close (Cumulus Press, $12.95) focuses on two areas of the city, the historic old town and the new city centre, and hones in on all the architectural detail and public art that people don't always notice. "I'm a fan of that mural, but also of all public art. It's available to everyone. People should take the time to enjoy it." -Philip Preville
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Newcomers to Montreal always notice it; to lifetime Montrealers, it's ingrained in memory. At first it jumps out at you: you think it's some nice graffiti art and expect it will be gone next time you go by. But it never goes away, and over time it just blends into the background and you stop paying attention.