Les mots du silence

a video by Denis Lessard, 2004

This video is based on the sign language traditionally used by Cistercian monks to communicate with each other, since they are under a vow of silence. This work explores various spaces in which the monks' activities take place : the refectory and kitchen, the library, the chapel and nature, in order to form a fluid alphabet, as interpreted by the artist. The signs' presentation is intertwined with visuals taken from the archives of the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, formerly located near the village of Holland, in southwestern Manitoba. This project was completed following the Language Hotel residency in December, 2000 at St. Norbert's Art Centre (SNAC) near Winnipeg, and several visits to Notre-Dame-des-Prairies.