The artist behind Montreal’s most therapeutic street art

If you've spent any time in Montreal over the past decade and a half, you've seen their work: Smiling faces looking down from unexpected corners, bridge supports, and highway overpasses with words like "AMOUR", "KINDNESS", "ESPOIR", or "MAKENOIZE."

These simple messages from Montreal street artist MAKENOIZE arrive in a complicated world to bring some levity and love to it, fastened high above street level where people can't snatch them.

"It was in 2011 when I was going through a big depression," they say, tracing the origins of their project. "I'm kind of the sad clown (Pagliacci), you know. I'm putting on a happy face, but I'm someone who has struggled with mental health. So every time I put something up, it's more for me and to remind myself to be happy in this world. Thank God if it helps others as well."

Personality through imperfections

There's something therapeutic about climbing a ladder in the dark, applying industrial-strength glue to a carefully-cut piece of coroplast, and securing it where thousands will see it day after day. They estimate they’ve spent upwards of $300 monthly on glue alone during their most active periods.

Their process is distinctly analog in a digital age. They design on a computer, print the patterns, but cut everything by hand. "People are always telling me, 'Why are you not buying that Cricut machine to cut vinyl and stuff like that?' But I want to do it by hand because I think the imperfections give it more personality."

Over the years, they have developed specific techniques for different surfaces and weather conditions. The careful science of adhesion, visibility, and durability—all to ensure a smile can last through the extremes of Montreal's winters and summers.

"I feel like I belong more to the street. It's where I feel great and where I feel like I can talk to people."

"Every day I ask myself if I should continue or quit," they admit. "It's a constant battle in my head with this project."

Genuine connections

The name MAKENOIZE started in their twenties, when they were deep in Montreal's drum and bass scene and skateboarding culture. It became their signature as a graphic designer, then evolved into something more ambitious. After years of creating sculptures from fiberglass mannequins with radios inside them, their apartment in the Rosemont became so crowded that the streets seemed like the logical next gallery.

"I didn't really want to go to galleries. I didn't have the body of work or the experience," they explain. "I feel like I belong more to the street. It's where I feel great and where I feel like I can talk to people."

Their methodology is meticulous. They’ve mapped out the city's 19 boroughs, targeting entrances, bridges, and high-visibility spots. What started as a personal project morphed into something bigger as their social media following grew. People began tagging them in photos of their work, sharing their own stories of depression and struggle.

The irony isn't lost on MAKENOIZE—using Instagram, a platform they find problematic, to build a community of genuine connection.

"I'm kind of the sad clown (Pagliacci), you know. I'm putting on a happy face, but I'm someone who has struggled with mental health."

"Especially on Instagram, it's like, 'Oh, everybody is perfect. Oh, look at my abs, look at my little trip to Italy, and look at my food, it's so great,' and it pisses me off all the time. It makes you hate your life," they say. Yet their own feed has become a refuge of authenticity, where they’ve spoken openly about mental health struggles and the difficulties associated with parenthood.

"People felt that they wanted to open up about their stories with me as well, and I’ve had deep conversations over the years with people like social workers, people that are working with people with suicidal tendencies... Now it’s about more than me. It’s become something more than it was when it started."

"I’m focused on the positivity that inspires people"

"I always work alone. I don't have any crew. I do my stuff," the artist says. 

At home, MAKENOIZE maintains three different studio spaces—one for metal work and welding, another for woodworking, and a paint shop. They create sculptures, lamps from spray cans, and other art pieces that occasionally sell through galleries or directly to fans. But monetization has never been the goal.

"It's always been a pastime for me and it was a way to do art," they explain. "I don't need that to eat."

When asked about their future plans—A gallery show? A book? Going fully legitimate?—MAKENOIZE pauses.

"I'm not there yet. I'm thinking of it a lot actually, but I haven’t found the answer yet. Maybe I'm overthinking it. But for now, I’m focused on the positivity that inspires people, and what’s inspiring me. How could I need to do more than that?"