Presented as part of the activities Du cultuel au culturel (From Worship to Culture)
Opening during the Journées de la culture
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:30 PM
Visitors to the exhibition Chemin de croix (Way of the Cross) will (re)discover (in a different way) the fundaments of the fourteen stations that are generally found around churches’ naves. Traditionally, the Way (or Stations) of the Cross is an invitation to meditate on the Passion of Christ after He was sentenced to crucifixion by the Roman prefect Pontius Pilates following his trial. Beyond these historical considerations, the Way of the Cross offers a spiritual journey, introspection, and reflection on life, suffering, death, and loss.
In our search for a strong and highly visible symbol of Christianity, we wanted to focus on a single object; we chose the cross, making it an object for reflection that goes beyond the Way of the Cross. In this exhibition with fourteen stations, we therefore explore a symbol with great power in Québec society. Redolent with meaning, throughout the ages the cross has appeared in a variety of forms and materials, nailed to walls both public and private. A distinctive sign of Christianity, it has been the religion’s primary emblem since the fourth century.
Following the example of the artist François Mathieu, who uses pews and kneelers in his works, in this exhibition we express our feeling that it is important today to take an interest in objects that once had great meaning. This raises questions such as, What happens to our beliefs when they take diverse paths? What space must we allocate to symbols and objects such as the cross? Have we in fact become less spiritual, with all the changes we are going through?
Suzanne Saint-Amour and Anick Chandonnet
Exhibition curators
At Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire church
Guided tour of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire church, led by historian Suzanne Saint-Amour.
Sundays, October 20 and November 3, 2024
2 to 3 p.m.
Watch curator Suzanne Saint-Amour’s presentation of the exhibition from 4 min 20 s :
Video of the exhibitions Architectures éphémères - Les bancs from artist François Mathieu and Chemin de croix presented at EXPRESSION, 6 min 39 s. © Félix Bouchard