Réveil de la conscience par la solitude, 1983
Poured concrete
Height 5,2m × width 7,3m

Location:
Henri-Bourassa station, Henri-Bourassa Nord entrance;
Centre administratif Henri-Bourassa, 577, boul. Henri-Bourassa Est

This enigmatic work, presenting the evolution of two figures from negative to positive space, was built as a firewall between the metro entrance and the government building constructed next to it. As such, it is one of the only works in the metro installed as part of the Quebec government's 1% for art program.

The work continues on the other side of the wall, with a reversed version of the mural within the metro entrance, as well as a freestanding sculpture.

Other side of the work, freestanding sculpture

Other side of the work, Édifice Henri-Bourassa

I noticed that in the metro, nobody talks to one another, nobody dares touch one another. Sometimes, when you touch someone by accident, they practically jump out of their skin! That's why the characters in my murals look like automata. ...It's up to everyone to interpret my work as they see fit.

—Jacques Huet
(Info STM, "Les artistes du métro de Montréal: Jacques Huet", Métro, 8 July 2004, p. 7)

Réveil de la conscience par la solitude - interpretive plaque Awakening of consciousness through solitude
Two people, side by side but nevertheless alone, are seeking their essence.
The work speaks of a journey through solitude to find the true root, the true face, hidden under the mask of the automaton.
Jacques Huet
Concrete poured by Monarch Préco Inc.
Assistant: Martin Hurtubise
1983