Michel Huneault and Johann Mazé
4 Hours
Following TOPO’s 2019–2022 programming theme, Frontier, TOPO is announcing the launch of a new project by artist Michel Huneault, 4 Hours, with an online experience and a window installation on Pôle de Gaspé’s ground floor, starting May 25, 2023.
In June 2022, at the invitation of TOPO and Basque Country partner Bitamine Faktoria, Michel Huneault completed a creation residency during which he and his colleague Johann Mazé developed a new work about life at the border of France and Spain.
The two versions of the work—on-site and online—present a succession of more than 200 one- to two-minute videos, each paired with an asynchronous soundscape. The slow and contemplative nonlinear experience offers a nuanced reflection on cross-border realities.
The title of the project, 4 Hours, comes from a migration flow-control arrangement between France and Spain: “An agreement signed between Madrid and Paris allows French authorities to expel migrants up to a maximum of four hours after their arrival in France.” 2021, InfoMigrants.
The artist’s residency in Basque Country was made possible by the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, as part of the Accord de coopération Québec-Euskadi.
Exhibition in showcase
May 25 – June 30
Michel Huneault
Michel Huneault is a documentary photographer and visual artist. His work focuses on issues related to development, trauma, migration, and other geographically complex realities. Before devoting himself to photography, he worked in international development for more than a decade.
Johann Mazé
Johann Mazé is a musician active in various French performing groups. A composer and sound artist, he develops documentary projects, radio plays, and field recordings, often with marginalized places or individuals.
Photo gallery
