"Litterature" from Montreal

I received a comment and images from author/artist Kathleen Bouvier to our recent article on Public Postings:

“I note that a number of your photos appear to be from outside of the U.S. Perhaps this richness of visual public communication springs from settings where the world is viewed from other than freeways, at the speed of a brisk walker. I recall first being struck by this in Paris, where the kiosks were an endless source of fascination to me with their daring advertisements and sometimes bizarre public service campaigns. I am observing it now in Montreal. The opportunities for getting a message across abound. They are in the streets, in metro tunnels, posted on fences, plastered on construction site barriers…” She attached these images from trash receptacles with messages. Translations usually lack the luster of the original language, but hopefully make the point. Click here for all images.

We relish comments and feedback like this. For example, I had no idea that the word “poubelle” (French for “trash”) refers to Eugene Poubelle, (1832-1907) an amazing public figure, urban planner, and designer in his own right. He developed a system to improve the hygiene in the streets of Paris through trash collection and recycling. The angry landlords christened the cans after him.

Merci Kathleen.

Best,