Lise Labbe – Tous sont de la partie, De Lise Labbe

The artwork presents a scene of exuberant winter activity within what appears to be a tightly-knit urban environment. A frozen expanse dominates the foreground, serving as a makeshift hockey rink for a group of children engaged in spirited play. The figures are rendered with a loose, expressive style, emphasizing movement and energy rather than precise anatomical detail. Their clothing – hockey jerseys and knitted hats – suggests a specific cultural context, hinting at a community where winter sports hold significant social importance.
Behind the immediate action, a row of closely-spaced houses establishes a sense of place. The architecture is characterized by brick facades, gabled roofs laden with snow, and modest detailing, conveying an impression of working-class dwellings. These structures are not merely background elements; they contribute to the overall narrative by framing the childrens play within a defined community space. The presence of utility poles and fences further reinforces this sense of a lived-in, functional neighborhood.
A palpable warmth emanates from the scene despite the wintry setting. The bright colors – the red jerseys contrasting with the blue sky and white snow – create an atmosphere of joy and vitality. The children’s postures – leaning into their swings, reaching for the puck – communicate a sense of uninhibited pleasure in simple recreation.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of community, childhood innocence, and the resilience of human spirit in the face of harsh weather conditions. The tightly packed houses suggest interdependence and shared experience, while the children’s game embodies carefree abandon and the importance of play in shaping identity. The snow-covered landscape, rather than evoking a sense of isolation, becomes an invitation to communal activity and celebration. Theres a feeling that this is not just a depiction of a moment, but a representation of a recurring tradition – a shared experience passed down through generations within this particular locale.