First kiss at dusk:
EXMURO inaugurates Alex Chinneck's first work in North America
Quebec City, October 1, 2025 - With the Aire publique program in full swing, EXMURO is once again preparing to take over public space in a big way. On October 10, Parc Montmorency will be the setting for the major work Premier baiser au crépuscule (First kiss at last light) by internationally renowned artist Alex Chinneck, who will be presenting one of his creations for the very first time in North America. For this exceptional unveiling, a live arts performance and a participatory activation will invite the public to marvel... and to embrace.
First kiss at dusk: the monumental work of an accomplished sculptor
Starting in October, a new visual signature will mark Parc-Montmorency National Historic Site, located in the heart of Old Quebec and administered by Parks Canada. Like a tenderly embracing couple, the pair of streetlamps making up First Kiss at Dusk will provoke a poetic moment, inviting passers-by to softness and contemplation. Tied together in this way, the loving lampposts seem to surreally defy the laws of physics. The installation also acts as a functional light, illuminating walkers even after dark. Nestled at the top of Côte de la Montagne, it fits perfectly into the warm, romantic atmosphere of Old Quebec.
Hailing from Bedford, UK, Alex Chinneck is an accomplished artist whose reputation transcends borders. Through his life-size, often architectural works, this master of illusion revisits familiar structures to transform the mundane into extraordinary apparitions. A member of the Royal Society of Sculptors and winner of the Gilbert Bayes prize for emerging sculptors, he has created monumental interventions in public spaces across Europe. Previous projects include multi-storey buildings that seem to melt, bend, float or unzip, as well as knotted street furniture like giant ribbons. Notable institutions and events that have showcased his work include Nancy's Musée des Beaux-Arts, Beijing's Times Art Museum, the London Design Festival, Milan Design Week and Hermès in Hong Kong. His vision of public art echoes that of EXMURO, advocating the importance of accessibility to artworks, the dynamism infused into public spaces and the questioning of convention.
A luminous and poetic inauguration
The unveiling of the masterful work Premier baiser au crépuscule will take place on Friday, October 10 at 18 h, just as the sun is spreading its last rays over the nation's capital. The unveiling is part of the rich program of Réverbère, a free four-day street arts event organized by the City of Quebec. For the occasion, Montreal collective Imagicario will present a poetic performance inspired by the work, providing food for thought on these urban elements too often taken for granted. Scenic artists, puppeteers and stilt-walkers promise to amaze young and old alike as they bring giant lampposts to life, unfolding a romantic choreography as gentle as a lullaby. To celebrate this grand unveiling and give concrete expression to the symbol of love that the work will represent for Quebec City, EXMURO will be offering a special activation in collaboration with Destination Québec Cité. The public will be invited to embrace or kiss in front of Alex Chinneck's loving lampposts: these tender moments will be immortalized by photographer Stéphane Bourgeois, present especially for the occasion. Afterwards, everyone is free to photograph themselves in front of the work and share their images on social media by tagging EXMURO art public (@exmuroartpublic) and Destination Québec cité (@quebeccite).
L'Aire publique programming continues
With cooler weather on our doorstep, EXMURO also invites the public to enjoy autumn in the welcoming warmth of the Aire publique, where the singular universes of Martin Bureau, Pipilotti Rist and Isaac Cordal can be discovered until January 4, 2026. The recently inaugurated P'tite Voûte is a new mediation space for children aged 4 to 10. Mini-mondes, a playful and poetic project featuring miniature sculptures by Laurent Pagano and Andrée-Anne Laberge, two Quebec City artists who draw inspiration from their childlike hearts to imagine tiny houses. On site, a convivial café features gourmet products from local partners such as Café Fantôme, Bügel, La Barberie and Ferme Simard. The boutique offers a wide selection of illustrations and creations by local artists, including Catherine Baril, Catherine Lavoie, Félix Girard and Pishier.
About EXMURO art public
Beyond the walls, EXMURO shakes up codes and surprises with its artistic interventions. Since 2007, under the artistic direction of Vincent Roy, the non-profit organization has been designing, producing and distributing public artworks in Quebec and abroad. EXMURO also runs Aire publique, a contemporary art space located in a heritage building in the heart of Place Royale in Quebec City. This inclusive space makes art accessible to all. Conceived as a place to live and exchange, it houses a café-boutique with terrace, as well as a co-working space.
Starting October 10, Quebec City residents are invited to discover Alex Chinneck's grandiose sculpture in Montmorency Park!
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