Jordi Bonet

1932–1979

Jordi Bonet was a Catalan-born Canadian sculptor, painter, and muralist whose monumental works contributed significantly to the development of public art in Quebec. Born in Barcelona, Spain, he studied at the Escola de Belles Arts before immigrating to Canada in 1954 and eventually settling in Quebec. Working across sculpture, ceramics, painting, and architectural relief, Bonet developed a distinctive artistic language characterized by expressive textures, symbolic imagery, and an exploration of the human condition. His work frequently addressed themes of spirituality, suffering, and collective memory, combining elements of modern abstraction with figurative and religious references. Particularly renowned for his large-scale architectural commissions, Bonet created numerous public artworks, including the monumental mural at Montreal's Grand Théâtre de Québec, one of his most celebrated achievements. His work occupies an important place in the history of modern Canadian sculpture and the integration of art into public architecture.