Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg

The Espace Riopelle offers a new, immersive presentation of the famous Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg alongside an updated interpretation of the work’s history and meaning.

Jean Paul Riopelle created this enormous painted work in his Île-aux-Oies studio in the fall of 1992, after learning that American painter Joan Mitchell, his companion of roughly twenty years, had passed away. This is Riopelle’s largest work ever, and the masterpiece of his last period. By combining love and death, Riopelle provides us with an extensive reflection on his life, evoking the connections he had with his departed friends.

A spectacular setting

Created in the twilight of his career, this spectacular work is a testament to Riopelle’s remarkable ability to reinvent himself. The artist stayed in a secluded house in the middle of the St. Lawrence to observe the snow goose migration, during which the birds would descend by the thousands onto the flats. The work features the island’s characteristic flora and fauna. Birds, plants, and other objects were placed directly on the canvas and then covered in spray paint. Adopting a resolutely youthful style reminiscent of graffiti, Riopelle offers a passionate insight on his life story and the world around him.

In the Espace Riopelle, Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg will have its own specially designed room, where it will be displayed for the first time on a circular surface using a novel hanging system. From now on, the work will be showcased in a particularly spectacular setting atop the building dedicated to the artist. A huge glass wall will offer visitors a breathtaking view of the river that witnessed its creation.

An original olfactory experience

In addition, this new presentation of Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg offers an original olfactory experience created in collaboration with the Chartier World LAB, world leaders in the field of aromas. The public will be able to discover and sample six different fragrances inspired by the biodiversity of Île-aux-Oies, as well as by the history of the work and its symbols. A truly unique sensory adventure!

This olfactory experience was made possible thanks to the support of the Museum Innovation Incubator, funded by the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale.