Jean-Pierre Raynaud's public sculpture destroyed by Quebec City
In June 2015, Quebec City demolished Jean-Pierre Raynaud's public sculpture "Dialogue avec l'histoire" without prior consultation, citing safety concerns. The artwork had been a gift from Paris in 1984, in exchange for Charles Daudelin's "Embâcle" now at Place du Québec in Paris. Despite a 2011 restoration, the work had deteriorated due to alleged neglect. The city announced dismantling on June 15 and destroyed it on June 17, inviting media. Artist Raynaud condemned the act as political and social violence, comparing it to ISIS destroying antiquities. A petition by the Collectif de défense du Dialogue avec l'histoire demands reconstruction at the same site, arguing the city violated its own public art vision and moral rights of the artist.
Key facts
- Jean-Pierre Raynaud's sculpture 'Dialogue avec l'histoire' was destroyed by Quebec City on June 17, 2015.
- The work was a 1984 gift from Paris, then-mayor Jacques Chirac, to Quebec City.
- The city cited safety risks after a Centre de conservation du Québec report.
- Destruction occurred without public consultation or restoration attempt.
- Media were invited to broadcast the demolition live.
- Artist Raynaud called the destruction political and social violence.
- A petition demands reconstruction at the same location.
- The exchange included Charles Daudelin's 'Embâcle' at Place du Québec in Paris.
Entities
Artists
- Jean-Pierre Raynaud
- Charles Daudelin
- Samuel Mercier
Institutions
- Ville de Québec
- Ville de Paris
- Centre de conservation du Québec
- Collectif de défense du Dialogue avec l'histoire
- artpress
- Université du Québec à Montréal
- Spirale
- Mairie de Paris
- Ministère de la culture, des loisirs et des sports
Locations
- Québec
- Canada
- Paris
- France
- Place de Paris
- Place du Québec
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Vieux-Québec
- Saint-Malo
- Nouvelle-Écosse