The Divine Tragedy: The Tower, the latest exhibit from artist Céline B. La Terreur, explores the notions of motherhood and madness through the drama of the Duplessis Orphans.
For the last few years, Céline B. La Terreur has lived on the site of what used to be the garden of the Louis-H. Lafontaine (formerly Saint-Jean-de-Dieu) Hospital, whose imposing tower served as a backdrop to her first experiences as a mother.
The artist spent two years studying the site, uncovering a history rife with secrets.
Reaching out to former Duplessis Orphans, she collected accounts of their experiences at the St-Jean-de-Dieu Hospital, revealing the tragedy of their painful history.
A tragedy in which, to this day, scandalous revelations are still silenced by the provincial government.
A tragedy that shakes the moral pillars of Quebec’s society.
A tragedy that must not be forgotten.
Through video, painting, and sculpture, the artist expresses her fears, uncertainties, and musings, peering into this tragedy thorough the dual lenses of motherhood and womanhood.
Translated by Marc Bertola and Geneviève Desaulniers
January 24 – February 16, 2013
The Divine Tragedy: The Tower
Painting, sculpture, video, performance
