A massive mural of Leonard Cohen had its official dedication today, exactly one year after the death of the iconic Montreal singer/poet.
The 11,000 square foot mural of a slightly smiling Cohen wearing a fedora and a blazer, his right hand over his heart, towers over Crescent Street on a 21-storey building.
Co-artist El Mac says he's proud to have been on this project, one of the hardest he's had to do. #CJAD #LeonardCohen pic.twitter.com/73pnR8aPR1
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) November 7, 2017
It took American artist El Mec and Montreal artist Gene Pendon plus a crew of 13 ten weeks — 2000 hours — to create the image from a 2008 photo taken by Cohen's daughter Lorca who was on hand for the dedication at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Co-artist Gene Pendon says he used to pass by #LeonardCohen's house everyday on the way to his studio. #CJAD pic.twitter.com/kr1p9KDb1d
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) November 7, 2017
The backdrop features two intertwined hearts created by Cohen for his book of psalms and hymns, Book of Mercy.
Also on hand for the event were legendary concert promoter Rubin Fogel and Cohen's ex-manager Robert Kory.
Legendary concert promoter Rubin Fogel says this will now be part of the #Montreal landscape. #CJAD #LeonardCohen pic.twitter.com/74006kfxau
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) November 7, 2017
The mural is part of a series being created by non-profit group MU that promotes urban community murals. This is MU's 100th mural.
#LeonardCohen's ex-manager and trustee of his estate Robert Kory says the singer/poet would approve. #CJAD pic.twitter.com/uGEryWgl8Y
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) November 7, 2017