One of my resolutions for this year is to profit to the max from the existence of so many excellent museums, here in Montreal. I would like to go at least once or twice every month, see an exhibition and leave my comments here on the blog. I know, I will always have besides me an excellent guide, my wife who has an MA in museology and if any of you would like to join us, just let me know.
I will probably start with Pointe-à-Callière (PAC), that is having on display the Colors of India until April 22. Those that know me, won’t be surprised, you already know that I love the Indian culture, I’m a big fan of their music, philosophy and cuisine.
Apart the objects received from the Musée national des arts asiatiques Guimet in Paris, there are also photos by the internationally renowned reporter and photographer, Suzanne Held.
At the Ramlila festival, in Ramnagar, this young boy, arrayed liked a god, his eyes highlighted with antimony, wears the mark of Vishnu’s trident painted on his forehead. In a few moments he will pay Lakshmana, Rama’s faithful brother, in a performance of the “deed of Rama.” ©Suzanne Held
I know in May we will go back to the PAC, when Samurai – The Prestigious Collection of Richard Béliveau will open its doors.
Richard Béliveau, who is university professor, famous for his work in the prevention and treatment of cancer, happens to be a great collector of Japanese artifacts. It is the first time that he agreed to present to the public part of his collection.
Here are some teasing details from the press release:
Samurai — The Prestigious Collection of Richard Béliveau will showcase some 200 pieces, such as full armours including helmets, masks, and clothing, as well as spears and swords, not to mention functional objects relating to the warriors’ daily lives and culture: tea bowls, calligraphy scrolls, and face masks—very rare items that are not often seen on display. Mr. Béliveau’s collection is distinguished by the fact that it includes complete pieces, richly decorated and fashioned from high quality materials, made by the greatest masters of the era. The objects presented as part of the exhibition—all of which are true works of art—are mainly from the Azuchi-Momoyama period, which stretches from 1573 to 1603, and from the Edo or Tokugawa period, which began around 1600 and came to an end in 1868. Some of the objects are even older, dating from the 13th century.
I’d say, this is a must see!
Samurai armour, Richard Béliveau's collection. Pointe-à-Callière
In case you didn’t heard about it, the PAC has an original idea to attract visitors during the chilling cold weekends of January and February. During these two months, every Saturday and Sunday they will reduce the price of admission by a percentage equal to the outdoor subzero temperature recorded that morning. The weather forecast for tomorrow morning (Sunday) says -22, so if you’re brave enough, you’ll get a great deal.
