This mural by Mateo, whose full name is Mathieu Bories, was created in 2013 in the alley at 280, rue Saint-Zotique Ouest, in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough of Montreal. It was produced under the city's Programme graffitis et murales, a program run for SODER, and it sits in a laneway rather than on a main street, so it rewards a deliberate detour.
What to expect
The work is a piece of street art painted on a wall in a back alley, which means you will see it at close range and in the context of everyday neighbourhood life. Because it is in a ruelle, it is best approached on foot, at a pace that lets you look up and around rather than simply passing through.
Around the mural
- Location: Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, a residential borough on the northeast side of Montreal's central area.
- Visit style: a short, self-guided stop that suits an afternoon walk or a visit combined with other street art in the city.
- Getting there: the mural is identified by its street address, 280, rue Saint-Zotique Ouest, so it can be located easily with a map application.
Planning your visit
The city of Montreal maintains an official record for this mural, which you can consult for further details on the artwork and its program. Because the mural is outdoors and in a public laneway, it can be viewed at any time, though visibility may depend on daylight. If you plan to photograph it, keep in mind that you are standing in a working alley used by residents, so a considerate approach is appreciated.