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."
For readers who care about Montreal
Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.
