The artist behind Montreal’s most therapeutic street art

If you've spent any time in Montreal over the past decade and a half, you've seen his work: Smiling faces looking down from unexpected corners, bridge supports, and highway overpasses with words like "AMOUR", "KINDNESS", "ESPOIR", or "MAKENOIZE."

These simple messages from Montreal street artist MAKENOIZE arrive in a complicated world to bring some levity and love to it, fastened high above street level where people can't snatch them.

"It was in 2011 when I was going through a big depression," he says, tracing the origins of his project. "I'm kind of the sad clown (Pagliacci), you know. I'm putting on a happy face, but I'm someone who has struggled with mental health. So every time I put something up, it's more for me and to remind myself to be happy in this world. Thank God if it helps others as well."