Fondation David Suzuki. Le béluga: pour un changement de paradigme. 23 juillet 2024.#2

Created using acrylic paint, hand-painted wallpaper, and handmade stamps, this contemporary collage explores the invisible impact of chemical pollution on the St. Lawrence beluga, an iconic and endangered species in Quebec. The abstract background, created intuitively, reflects the influence of Chantal Davignon’s artistic training under Brother Jérôme, a disciple of Paul-Émile Borduas. Medical-grade paper, painted, cut, and assembled, gives rise to a minimalist landscape where the beluga emerges from a river marked by human contamination. Inspired by the article “The Beluga: Toward a Paradigm Shift” published by the David Suzuki Foundation, this work is part of a series dedicated to the St. Lawrence beluga and the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. It addresses the persistent effects of industrial and agricultural pollutants on biodiversity, water quality, and the survival of marine mammals. Without presenting the facts in a documentary style, Chantal Davignon transforms environmental issues into a visual metaphor where the beauty of life coexists with the traces of human activity. Through her contemporary collages, the artist invites us to reflect on the connections that unite humans, the St. Lawrence River, and Canadian wildlife. With its vibrant colors, clean lines, and ecological awareness, this work opens a dialogue on biodiversity conservation and our collective responsibility to protect the natural environments on which life depends.