by Rachel Tremblay
PHILIPPE CORRIVEAU: ENHANCE THE CANAL! *
Recently, Philippe Corriveau was awarded a grant from the Conseil des arts et des Lettres du Québec for research and development in order to subsequently create a digital journey on the Soulanges Canal. Cleverly titled Chenal (Channel), This future work by the person who, among other things, illuminated the Moulin de la Pointe of the same name, is intended to be four immersive multimedia experiences. “By transforming the canal with light and sound, I would like to show what the Canal was like in the past. Historical flashes! Reconstructing its successful past ennobled through electricity, hydraulic systems and all the cutting-edge technologies of the time. The aesthetics of the water locks also appeal to me. A reconstruction would allow the Canal to be perceived in a new light, thus offering it a form of rebirth. It's about juggling the elements of the past to apply them to today,” he says, excited at the simple idea of the techniques at his disposal to get there.
Philippe will propose four unique works, his aim being the fusion between visual and digital art. He wants it to be even more than light and shapes: he also wants people to recognize each other and be impressed by the amazing visual permissions of video mapping (which essentially consists in projecting images onto buildings to create stunning optical illusions). Passionate about the subject, he is currently improving his skills at the SAT (Société des Arts Technologiques) by experimenting with various software programs that allow him to combine different video-projection practices with his expertise and creative impulses.
In addition, the artist emphasizes that the idea of Chenal also stems, in part, from the realization of his first projection project and architectural mapping for the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion in 2020.
“With OPTI, the City supported me in the creation of my first digital work: it offered me an introduction to the medium, orienting me in this new direction. The fact that the City has the will to innovate, the dynamism of the teams, the support: it encourages artists like me to always go further. My various mandates for the City have also led me to decompartmentalize my artistic practice, by sharing my creative process with citizens, not to mention contact with other artist friends and other approaches. Several opportunities to be inspired, to highlight and to renew knowledge! ”
With his multiple experiences in cultural mediation, Philippe believes that the involvement of citizens in the context of Chenal will improve this one. “I have an example in mind of a specific artifact: a bottle of gin from another era found intact near Pointe-des-Cascades. What boat was it from? Who was it meant for? Everything is to be revisited and decoded, all anecdotes are welcome and I am convinced that there are several! The participation of people who know the history of the Canal and who are in a position to tell it is fundamental to the development and promotion of this research.” To this end, citizen activities will take place in four municipalities: Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, Coteau-du-Lac and Les Coteaux.
Chenal will undoubtedly be part of the valorization of heritage by brightening up the past and the present thanks to resolutely futuristic technologies for the entire population who wants to breathe new life into the Soulanges Canal.
* this article, written by Rachel Tremblay, was originally published in French on April 30, 2024 on jesuismozaik.com. All translation mistakes are entirely our own.
