Le Journal de Montréal. Un contaminant du plastique lié à la mort de bélugas. 23 novembre 2021.

Created using acrylic paint and hand-painted paper, this contemporary collage highlights the vulnerability of the St. Lawrence beluga to plastic pollution. An abstract, intuitive background is covered with pieces of paper that have been cut out and assembled to create a vibrant underwater landscape. On the surface, the shoreline and the autumn forest evoke the beauty of the St. Lawrence River; underwater, two belugas swim alongside a third, entirely white one, while plastic bottles and debris lie at the bottom of the river. Inspired by the article “A Plastic Contaminant Linked to Beluga Deaths ” (Journal de Montréal, November 23, 2021) as well as a visit to the Tadoussac Marine Mammal Interpretation Center, this work addresses the themes of plastic pollution, microplastics, biodiversity, and marine mammal conservation. Without presenting the facts in a documentary style, Chantal Davignon transforms this reality into a visual metaphor in which the beauty of the landscape contrasts with the traces left by human activity. Through her contemporary collages, the artist explores the connections between humans and Quebec’s ecosystems, inviting viewers to reflect on the impact of our daily actions on the St. Lawrence River and the species that depend on it. With its vibrant colors, gentle touch, and ecological awareness, the work celebrates the richness of Canada’s wildlife while opening a dialogue about our responsibility toward all living things.