Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience Parc-Extension through a new artistic lens this summer as the Maison de la culture de Parc-Extension presents Extension en ligne(s), an immersive exhibition that blends visual art, literature and sound to explore the neighbourhood’s past, present and imagined future.
The exhibition, running from June 25 to August 16, is supported by the Borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension and forms part of Montreal’s ongoing efforts to make cultural programming accessible at the neighbourhood level.
Created by artists Ianick Raymond, Pierre-Marc Asselin, Simon Landry-Désy, Daryl Hubert and Alice Moreault, the exhibition invites audiences to explore a fictionalized version of Parc-Extension through paintings, drawings, narrative storytelling and immersive audio installations.
According to borough officials, the exhibition reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering innovative cultural projects while strengthening residents’ connection to their local environment.
“With this new exhibition, the borough reaffirms its commitment to supporting bold artistic creation and promoting culture at the heart of our neighbourhoods,” said Jean François Lalonde, Mayor of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension. “This immersive exhibition offers a unique opportunity to rediscover Parc-Extension from a new perspective by creating connections between art, place and the collective imagination.”
Inspired by the graphic novel Extension, published in 2025, the exhibition presents a post-human vision of Parc-Extension where memory, transformation and environmental change reshape familiar spaces. Through a combination of visual artworks and literary storytelling, visitors are encouraged to reflect on urban evolution, loss, belonging and humanity’s relationship with the places it inhabits.
Artist Ianick Raymond’s personal connection to the neighbourhood forms the foundation of the project. Having lived in Parc-Extension for nearly a decade, Raymond draws upon both personal memories and speculative imagination to create an artistic interpretation that is deeply rooted in place while looking toward an uncertain future.
An immersive audio component accompanies the visual works, giving voice to characters from the graphic novel and creating a multisensory experience. Soundscapes and narrated passages help transform the gallery into a narrative environment where visitors move through both physical and fictional landscapes.
The exhibition extends beyond the walls of the cultural centre through an outdoor audio trail accessible by QR code. Visitors can explore key locations throughout Parc-Extension while listening to excerpts from the story performed by actor Simon Landry-Désy and actress Alice Moreault.
By connecting public spaces with artistic storytelling, the project encourages residents to engage with their neighbourhood in new ways while reflecting on how communities evolve over time.
The initiative was developed in partnership with the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, publishing house La Mèche and Centre SAGAMIE.
Beyond its artistic dimension, the exhibition touches on themes of urban identity and neighbourhood transformation that are relevant to many Montreal communities. As Parc-Extension continues to evolve, projects such as Extension en ligne(s) offer opportunities for dialogue about memory, belonging and the future of shared public spaces.
The exhibition will be presented until August 16 at the Maison de la culture de Parc-Extension. Admission is free, and no reservation is required for regular visits.
A public opening reception will take place on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. A guided visit with artist Ianick Raymond is scheduled for August 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participation is free, although reservations are required.
