Artist behind Fredy Villanueva mural hopes it brings family some peace, happiness

A new art installation in Montreal is honouring the memory of Fredy Villanueva, the young man who was killed in a police shooting in 2008.

The mural depicting Villanueva as an angel – dressed all in white with large angel wings – is “L’innocence de a Nouvelle Maison,” which translate to “The Innocence of a New Home.”

The artist behind the mural is Monk.E.

“There were tears, there was laughter, there was a whole range of emotion because I think (the family) were waiting for this for a long time,” said Monk.E.

Villanueva arrived in Canada alongside his family on refugee status from Honduras when he was eight years old.

“La Nouvelle Maison” is a translation of “vila nueva” in Spanish – a play on the boy’s last night – meaning a new town.

Fredy Villanueva mural, by artist Monk.E. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)

For Monk.E, it symbolizes what Canada represents for many who come to the country seeking refuge.

“To have a mural in the community is ever present,” said the artist. “It’s part of your daily life and it’s joyful, it’s colourful and it’s a more positive way to remember the one we love.”

Villanueva died in 2008 at the age of 18 after he was shot by a Montreal police officer in Montreal-North. Villanueva alongside his brother and others, were playing a game of dice at Henri-Bourassa Park.

Each part of the mural articulates something specific, says the artist. The dice depicted show a roll of ones, for instance.

“When we play dice, this is called Snake Eyes and you automatically win,” said Monk.E. “So to me, this is kind of a win for our community to have this mural.”

Close-up of Fredy Villanueva mural, by artist Monk.E. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)

More than a decade after his death, a memorial paying tribute to Villanueva in Montreal North where he died was never erected.

“I think it was like a little sad celebration, you know, celebrating something sad, but still coming together to celebrate that we had a little success putting Fredy’s memories up on our Montreal wall.

“Fredy would be happy to see his family have a bit of peace for a moment.”

No criminal charges were laid against the police officers involved. The death of Villanueva led to mass protests asking for change and justice across Quebec.

“I pray for my work to bring justice, to bring peace, to bring calmness, to bring comfort to those that were discomfort and I hope it’s going to shake the status quo also to maybe discomfort those who are too comfortable in their position,” said Monk.E. “Opened the conversation about how our authority should interact with our young population.”