A VOL D’OISEAU Par Cédric Bastin

A vol d’oiseau is a poetic light installation imagined by Mons-based artist Cédric Bastin, tracing the symbolic journey of a bird through the urban environment of Mons. As it crosses Rue de la Réunion, this artwork guides visitors along an illuminated path leading to a nest installed in a tree at the corner of Rue Terre du Prince. The nest, built from recycled materials, emphasizes the importance of birds in the city, highlighting their vital role in the mental and physical well-being of urban dwellers.

The path is illuminated by a series of LED ribbons totaling approximately 640 meters, suspended from facade to facade at a height of 5 to 7 meters. These ribbons trace the imaginary flight of birds, inviting the public to look up towards the sky, admire the surrounding facades, and rediscover Mons’ architecture from a fresh perspective.

This artwork invites viewers to reconnect with nature in an urban setting, reminding us that cities are also habitats for other species beyond humans. By following the birds’ flight, the installation allows visitors to sense their presence and appreciate the fluidity of their movements within the urban landscape.