A new mural by artist Jamie Janx on Marie-Anne

A mural that attacks the taboo surrounding male suicide now adorns the building that houses the Darling bar, in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal. The QMI Agency followed the evolution of the work, painted by Quebec artist Jamie Janx Johnston as part of the Mural festival.

With his mural, the artist from Montreal wants to normalize the fact that men seek help and the prevention of suicide among men.

Inspiration struck after Jamie Janx Johnston attended an anti-suicide group meeting, organized by Work Without Borders.

During this meeting, participants were invited to express themselves about their situation. “Acceptance”, “change”, “resilience”: these are some of the words they used and which informed the mural.

“These groups allow us to open the parenthesis that we are not alone. The words they presented to me [se retrouvent sur] the mural,” says the artist.

Established in Le Plateau Mont-Royal, the non-profit organization, which helps Montrealers access the job market and studies, is also a partner of the work through its Les Courag-eux project.

An admirer of nature and the countryside, Jamie chose the blue jay as a symbol of the cause. For him, the bird evokes courage, communication and flight.

“I also added a sun in the background, to say we can always expect a new day,” explains the muralist behind the work which is located at the corner of rue Marie-Anne and boulevard Saint- Lawrence.

Jamie completed the mural in four days. He could have finished it more quickly, but he wanted to take his time, since he considers that chatting with passers-by is part of the festival experience.

For him, each discussion is an opportunity to raise awareness of the cause at the heart of his work.

QR codes leading to suicide prevention resources will also be installed on the mural.

14 murals this year

For the 2024 edition of Mural, 14 murals were created in the streets of Montreal.

Of the 19 visual artists featured, four international artists painted a mural: Aryz (United States), Escif (Spain), Osheen Siva (India) and Milu Correch (Argentina).

In addition to these works, more than thirty public art projects were carried out outside the festival, always with the aim of beautifying the metropolis.

How are walls chosen? Depending, in particular, on their proximity to Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the type of surface, their accessibility and their surface area. Without forgetting, of course, the agreement of the building owners.

Internationally recognized urban art

Montreal is internationally recognized for its urban art and murals, says Jamie, even if they don’t always remain unscathed.

For him, finding “tags” on the walls is “part of the game”.

“Not everyone is so understanding, you do something beautiful and someone comes [faire un graffiti par-dessus]», notes the muralist.

If you or a loved one are in distress, here are resources you can turn to:

· Call 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553)

· Text 535353

· Chat on suicide.ca