Sunday, June 30, 2024

A HOT EXHIBITION THIS SUMMER: Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools: Three Hundred Years of Flemish Masterworks until October 20, 2024

A detail of the Peter Paul Rubens painting A Sailor and a Woman Embracing between 1615-18. Look at the expression on that man's face. When you see this painting in person, it is so alive it takes you aback!

FRANÇAIS  app de traduction à gauche

A sensual stroll through flemish masterpieces "Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools" at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts isn't your typical historical art exhibition. This meticulously curated display transcends dusty portraits and religious iconography, offering a captivating glimpse into the soul of Flemish society from 1400 to 1700.

Portrait of a Lady
Unknown Artist. This portrait
is life sized and she pops right
out of the frame. Pay attention to
the detailed work on the
embroidery and ruff collar.
The title itself hints at the exhibition's seductive power. It promises a spectrum of human experience, from the piety of saints to the folly of fools, all rendered in the rich oil paints that became a Flemish hallmark.

The curatorial journey cleverly begins with religious works. Lavish details and symbolic richness aren't merely aesthetic choices; they become windows into how Flemish citizens interacted with their faith, built communities, and secured their legacies.

As the narrative progresses, the exhibition sheds light on the 17th century's cultural and intellectual vibrancy. Paintings by Rubens and van Dyck, pulsating with emotional energy that reflects a tumultuous era, share the stage with navigational tools and maps, underlining Flanders' role as a commercial and innovative powerhouse.

The exhibition culminates in a truly immersive experience. Inspired by "Kunstkammern," the precursors to modern museums, this final section allows visitors to contemplate the evolving role of art across centuries. Through a captivating blend of paintings and artifacts, we are invited to consider how art has functioned not just as a source of beauty, but also as a tool for connection, wonder, and even social climbing.

By the end, "Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools" delivers not just an appreciation for Flemish artistry, but a nuanced understanding of its local and global significance. The enduring themes explored in these works resonate powerfully, reminding us of the timeless questions that continue to shape who we are. This exhibition is much more than a history lesson; it's a captivating conversation across time, leaving a lasting impression long after you exit the gallery.


The Adoration of the Magi by Peter Paul Rubens featuring a colored man in the role of a Magi. I was bedazzled by the elegant incorporation of the black person in the several featured paintings in the exhibition.


The Dark Stain: Slavery and the Art Market's Rise

The art market's boom (15th-19th centuries) coincided with a horrific period - the rise of the transatlantic slave trade. Fueled by colonialism and capitalism, Europe's growing wealth was built on the backs of millions of Africans.

Starting in 1441, Portugal initiated the trade, forcibly taking Africans for profit. By the 17th century, the Americas joined in, solidifying a system where human beings were treated as commodities. Amsterdam became a major hub, with companies like the Dutch West India Company profiting immensely.

This wasn't just a historical footnote. Slavery's legacy continues. So before modern people feel they are better than those of the past, today, nearly 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery.

In 2018, the countries with the most slaves were: India (8 million), China (3.86 million), Pakistan (3.19 million), North Korea (2.64 million), Nigeria (1.39 million), Indonesia (1.22 million), Democratic Republic of the Congo (1 million), Russia (794,000) and the Philippines (784,000). 

This number jumped in 2023In terms of the largest estimated absolute numbers though, India ranks first (11,050,000 people in modern slavery), followed by China (5,771,000), North Korea (2,696,000), Pakistan (2,349,000), Russia (1,899,000), Indonesia (1,833,000) and Nigeria (1,611,000) and 400,000 in the US plus an estimated 69, 000 in Canada. A grim reminder that economic gain can still come at a horrific human cost.

Understanding the link between slavery and capitalism is crucial. It's not just about the past; it shapes our present. We must confront this dark chapter and strive for a future where exploitation ends and human dignity prevails.

For all further information HERE

 LENA GHIO   

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Photos © LENA GHIO 2024


Credits and curatorial team


Chloé M. Pelletier 

An exhibition co-organized by the Denver Art Museum and The Phoebus Foundation, Antwerp, Belgium, in collaboration with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

The exhibition is curated by Katharina Van Cauteren, Chief of Staff of The Phoebus Foundation Chancellery. The Montreal presentation is curated by Chloé M. Pelletier, Curator of European Art (before 1800) at the MMFA.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

DESPICABLE ME 4 hits theatres July 3rd 2024

TRAILER

FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche

Calling all animation lovers! Get ready for a wild ride because Despicable Me 4 is here, and it lives up to the hype! I love animated features and this one did not disappoint! This new installment brings back everyone's favorite reformed supervillain Gru (voiced by the ever-charming Steve Carrell) for a fresh adventure packed with action, humor, and of course, everyone's favorite yellow troublemakers, the Minions.

Prepare for side-splitting laughs as Gru Jr., Gru's newest family member, adds a whole new layer of chaos to the mix. This isn't your typical father-son bonding story though. Gru Jr. seems to have inherited some of his dad's villainous tendencies, much to Gru's amusement (and maybe a little horror).

Jr

But Gru's playful domesticity is shattered by the arrival of a new villain, the flamboyant Maxime Le Mal (voiced by the hilarious Will Ferrell) and his equally formidable girlfriend Valentina (voiced by the ever-glamorous Sofia Vergara). Forced to go on the run, Gru, Lucy, and the girls find themselves in a hilarious and action-packed escapade.

Maxime Le Mal and Gru

Despicable Me 4 boasts a stellar cast, including returning favorites like Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, and Pierre Coffin (the mastermind behind the iconic Minion voices). Newcomers like Joey King and Stephen Colbert add even more comedic flair to the film. Visually, the film is a stunner. The animation is crisp and detailed, bringing the fantastical world of Despicable Me to life. It is gorgeous to look at and to observe the details that make this fantasy world so real!


Despicable Me 4 is a return to form for the franchise, delivering the signature subversive humor and non-stop action that fans have come to expect. With its all-star cast, dazzling animation, and hilarious antics, this is a must-see for families and animation lovers of all ages. So grab your popcorn and get ready to be entertained - Despicable Me 4 hits theaters July 3rd!

 LENA GHIO   


Thursday, June 27, 2024

WAITRESS @ Espace Saint Denis, UN HIT !!!

Julie Ringuette dans le rôle de Dawn, Marie-Eve Janvier dans le rôle principale de Jenna, Sharon James dans le rôle de Becky.

Sous la direction de Joël Legendre, les éléments s'enchaînent avec fluidité, créant un flot continu et harmonieux. Les voix des chanteurs sont envoutantes et le son impeccable, transportant le public dans un univers enchanteur. 

Au centre de Waitress se trouve Jenna, interprétée avec brio par Marie-Eve Janvier. Prisonnière d'une vie morne, elle trouve l'espoir de se libérer grâce à sa passion pour la pâtisserie. Son parcours, semé d'embûches et d'amour inattendu, célèbre l'amitié, les rêves et les liens familiaux. Le tout est ponctué d'humour et de moments touchants, rappelant la beauté des choses simples.

Les chansons de Sara Bareilles, interprétées avec talent par les comédiens, insufflent une poésie intemporelle à l'histoire. Sous la direction musicale de David Terriault, la partition se marie parfaitement aux décors chaleureux et aux chorégraphies fluides de Maud Saint-Germain, créant une ambiance immersive et riche en émotions.

Marie-Eve Janvier est rayonnante dans le rôle de Jenna, entourée d'une distribution talentueuse qui incarne avec justesse les personnages attachants de l'histoire. Mention spéciale à Renaud Paradis, François Léveillée et Jean-François Beaupré, qui apportent une touche d'expérience et de sensibilité à l'ensemble.

Waitress à l'Espace St-Denis est bien plus qu'une simple comédie musicale. C'est une ode à la résilience humaine, à la quête de soi et au pouvoir des relations humaines. Avec ses airs entraînants, ses personnages attachants et son message inspirant, ce spectacle saura vous toucher en plein cœur. Ne manquez pas cette occasion de vivre une expérience théâtrale mémorable et enrichissante.

Pour tous les INFOS + Billetterie: ICI

 LENA GHIO   


Friday, June 14, 2024

WHAT IS EMERGE ART? The Salamander

After investigating what is happening in the bowl of water with Photoshop filters, I create the Emerge Art. This is the polished version. This makes the phenomena clearer. 

FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche 

The Salamander* is the clearest example of what Emerge Art is. Although all Emerge Art are different, they all manifest with varying combinations of light and water as the basic medium that reacts to the environment.

This avant-garde practice transcends conventional boundaries, offering a captivating lens through which to explore the metaphysical mysteries inherent in the element of water combining them with the rigour of art, science, and philosophy. 

Emerge Art stands as a challenge to humanity's perpetual quest for understanding the enigmatic forces that shape our existence. By documenting metaphysical phenomena within water, Emerge Art invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the intangible.

Emerge Art is the result of digitally capturing the mysterious and dynamic interplay of water and light reacting to their environment that gives rise to intelligent imagery. The process of intending a dialogue with an abstract force to obtain the phenomena suggests a profound connection between the natural world and human consciousness. The cryptic power emanating from the fluidity of water, coupled with the interplay of light, generates startling images that serve as a catalyst for profound introspection, creative inspiration, and expanded perspectives. Through Emerge Art, we are invited to explore the depths of consciousness itself and engage with the mysteries of creation in ways that transcend traditional boundaries. Ultimately, Emerge Art defies the very ontological baseline on which our current understanding of reality is built and offers a pathway rich with new insights and unexpected views of the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. 

Emerge Art captures moments of transient beauty and profound significance with a digital camera. Using artistic vision and with the use of Photoshop, I explore and highlight the uncanny images water and light create.

*A term from Paracelsus. Salamanders are elemental intelligences related to the hot, active aspect of nature (fire).

This is the original image made smaller for the purpose of sharing. The images below are also smaller that the original. If you look closely, you will observe that the image on top of the article is barely altered to highlight the mysterious woman.

To illustrate that the image is truly a unique creation from a mysterious source, I included here the image immediately following The Salamander. We can see the images from the book behind but The Salamander is gone. The flame has also changed her shape. I can't explain it better than what I see. The flame appears to express intent but this is an area of possible future exploration.

A closer look at the cropped original reveals the interplay of light and water as they create a stunning figure.

The photo immediately following The Salamander shows what the light used as an anchor to structure the features of the woman.

Cropped and side by side, we can see the dark line that comes from the book that was used by light to forge the chin of The Salamander.

 LENA GHIO   

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ALL IMAGES © LENA GHIO


Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Cérémonie de l'Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec 10 juin, 2024

Dans l'éclat des flashes, les intronisés, anciens et nouveaux, rayonnent, leurs sourires éclatants capturant l'essence de leur joie. Entre les clics des appareils, étreintes chaleureuses et regards pétillants témoignent de l'émotion palpable. Dans chaque cliché, une histoire, un moment figé d'une soirée inoubliable. Photo © LENA GHIO 

Dans l'éclat vibrant de la scène culturelle québécoise, une soirée d'exception s'est tenue au sein de l'élégant Espace orange de l'édifice Wilder. Lundi soir dernier, le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) a couronné 16 nouveaux membres de son Ordre des arts et des lettres, lors d'une cérémonie empreinte d'émotion et de reconnaissance.

Parmi les illustres récipiendaires, des noms qui résonnent dans le panorama culturel québécois tel un poème porté par le vent : Hélène Dorion, Claude Dubois, André Forcier, Linda Gaboriau, Rosie Godbout, Michel Goulet, Alice Ming Wai Jim, Menka Nagrani, Susie Napper, Louise Sicuro, Roland Smith, William Tagoona, ainsi que les membres émérites du groupe Les Cowboys Fringants et le regretté Karl Tremblay. Leurs contributions remarquables, leurs créations sublimes, ont tissé la trame vivante de notre patrimoine artistique.

Dans une atmosphère imprégnée de gratitude et d'admiration, chacun des lauréats a été honoré à travers des capsules vidéo, offrant un hommage vibrant à leur génie créatif. Entourés de 180 invités, parmi lesquels des dignitaires et des proches émus, ils ont reçu les distinctions des mains de Sylvain Lafrance, président du CALQ.

Célébrant une décennie d'excellence, l'Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec incarne l'essence même de la reconnaissance artistique. Symbole de l'engagement et de la créativité qui animent notre société, cette distinction, portée par un insigne conçu par l'artiste joaillière Christine Dwane, honore désormais 167 personnalités qui ont façonné les arts et les lettres québécois.

Au cœur de cette soirée mémorable, la Caisse Desjardins de la Culture a été saluée pour son soutien indéfectible, en tant que partenaire officiel de l'Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec. Son engagement envers les artistes et le milieu culturel, tout comme celui du CALQ depuis trois décennies, résonne comme une ode à la vitalité et à la richesse de notre héritage artistique.

Ainsi, dans la continuité d'une tradition d'excellence, ces Compagnes et Compagnons de l'Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec demeurent des phares, éclairant le chemin des générations futures vers l'horizon infini de la création.

Pour plus d'infos: ICI

Les entrevues radiophoniques: Chantal L'Heureux interview Rosie Godbout; Pierre Archambeault interview Michel Goulet; et Lena Ghio interview Louise Sicuro: seront diffusées samedi le 15 juin 2024 à midi à l'émission In Situ sur Radio Centre Ville 102.3 FM. ICI

 LENA GHIO   

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Unveiling the Enigma: Exploring the Olmec Civilization of Mesoamerica @ Pointe--Calière Montreal > September 15, 2024

Photo © LENA GHIO 

FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche 

Statue od a twin,  1200-900 AEC
Photo © 
LENA GHIO 

In the heart of Canada, a gateway to an ancient world opens its doors. For the first time ever, the enigmatic Olmec civilization steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight, inviting us to embark on a mesmerizing journey through time and space. The exhibition, "Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico," at Point-à-Calière Museum is a remarkable odyssey into the depths of Mesoamerican history and culture.

The Olmecs, shrouded in mystery until the latter half of the 19th century, emerge as the architects of a civilization that laid the groundwork for the majestic Mayas and the awe-inspiring Aztecs. With ingenuity coursing through their veins and a profound connection to nature, the Olmecs forged a legacy that transcends millennia, leaving behind a treasure trove of art, beliefs, and societal structures.

Sculpture of Tlazoltéotl
600-900EC

Photo © 
LENA GHIO 
Step into the immersive realm of the Gulf of Mexico, where time itself seems to stand still. Here, amidst the whispers of ancient winds, visitors encounter a stunning array of artifacts and symbolic objects, meticulously curated from a multitude of Mexican institutions. From colossal basalt stone heads to jade figures shrouded in secrets, nearly 300 masterpieces beckon from the depths of antiquity, offering a glimpse into a world long forgotten.

At the heart of this exhibition lies the pulsating rhythm of the Olmec civilization, spanning from 1200 to 500 B.C.E. Scholars coined the name "Olmec" from the Nahuatl word "Olmecatl," meaning "inhabitant of the rubber country," a testament to the region's rich resources and vibrant culture. Key sites such as San Lorenzo and La Venta serve as testament to the grandeur and complexity of Olmec society, offering tantalizing clues to unraveling its mysteries.

Yet, the allure of the Olmecs extends far beyond mere artifacts and archaeological sites. It lies in their pioneering spirit, their relentless pursuit of knowledge, and their profound impact on the tapestry of Mesoamerican history. From humble beginnings rooted in fishing and hunting, the Olmecs soared to unparalleled heights, leaving an indelible mark on subsequent civilizations through their innovations in agriculture, architecture, and recreation.

Photo © LENA GHIO 


Indeed, the Olmec civilization stands as a beacon of inspiration, a testament to the boundless potential of human endeavor. As we trace the echoes of their legacy through time, we witness the birth of a new era—a fusion of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that continue to shape the landscape of Mesoamerica to this day.

In essence, the Olmec civilization serves as a bridge between past and present, a guiding light illuminating the path towards a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Through the lens of this extraordinary exhibition, we are invited to embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that transcends borders, transcends time, and ultimately, transcends the very essence of what it means to be human.

This exhibition is produced by Pointe-à-Callière, in collaboration with the Secretaría de Cultura – Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, México.

Make sure to check out linked activities including a Block Party this June 15 2024.




Friday, June 7, 2024

BIENNALE ELEKTRA 7th International Digital Art Biennial — ILLUSION At Arsenal Contemporary Art 05.31.2024 – 07.21.2024

Below, a few seconds from the stunning interactive work Voice Scroll by David Rokeby. The images manifest in tandem to the words you communicate into the microphone. I was mesmerized! 


FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche

Entering the realm of the digital arts is akin to navigating through a hall of mirrors, each reflection distorting reality in its unique way. The 7th edition of Biennale ELEKTRA, presented by ELEKTRA since 2012, emerges as a beacon illuminating the multifaceted nature of truth in an era dominated by post-factual narratives and alternative realities. Held at the Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal, this exhibition ventures into the depths of illusion, challenging visitors to confront the slippery slopes of perception and authenticity.

Curated by the visionary Alain Thibault, the Biennale plunges into the tumultuous waters of our digital age, where the proliferation of artificial intelligence and the advent of deep fakes blur the boundaries between fact and fiction. The thematic focus on "ILLUSION" serves as a poignant reminder of the precariousness of truth in a landscape inundated with digital manipulations and virtual constructs.

Artist Chun Hua Catherine Dong explaining how to use your phone to get the augmented reality experience of her luxurious series Skin Deep Photo © LENA GHIO 

Thibault's selection of over thirty artists from three continents demonstrates a concerted effort to dissect the intricate layers of contemporary society's relationship with truth. Through a diverse array of mediums and techniques, these artists embark on a journey through speculative fiction, probing the very essence of reality and its subjective interpretations. From the ephemeral to the invisible, the exhibited works challenge conventional notions of materiality, urging viewers to question the veracity of their perceptions.

Louis-Philippe Rondeau with 
Veillance 2 
 Photo © LENA GHIO 

Among the luminaries featured in this exhibition, artists such as Adad Hannah, Boris Eldagsen, and Shu Lea Cheang captivate audiences with their innovative explorations of the illusory nature of reality. Adad Hannah's immersive installations beckon viewers into surreal landscapes, blurring the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible. Meanwhile, Boris Eldagsen's provocative photography delves into the depths of the subconscious, unveiling hidden truths lurking beneath the surface of perception. Shu Lea Cheang pushes the boundaries of digital storytelling, weaving narratives that transcend the constraints of time and space.

One of the most striking aspects of the Biennale ELEKTRA is its ability to foster a dialogue between art and technology, challenging traditional paradigms and embracing the fluidity of the digital medium. Through interactive installations and multimedia experiences, artists such as David Rokeby and Collectif Obvious invite viewers to actively engage with the artworks, blurring the boundaries between observer and observed.

However, amidst the spectacle and innovation, the Biennale also confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths about the darker implications of our increasingly digitized world. Works such as Chun Hua Catherine Dong's poignant explorations of surveillance culture and Louis-Philippe Demers' unsettling reflections on the dehumanizing effects of technology serve as sobering reminders of the ethical dilemmas that accompany technological progress.

In conclusion, the 7th Biennale ELEKTRA stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in an age defined by uncertainty and illusion. By interrogating the shifting sands of truth in our digital landscape, this exhibition challenges viewers to confront their own perceptions and assumptions, inviting them to embark on a journey through the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche. As we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the digital age, the Biennale ELEKTRA serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a deeper understanding of the complexities of our shared reality.

For information: HERE

All artists + BIO : HERE


Thursday, June 6, 2024

LA FÊTE NATIONALE DU QUÉBEC la programmation

 

Lors d'une journée exceptionnelle, je me suis rendue au lancement des activités de la Saint-Jean Baptiste, une fête nationale qui souligne toujours l'arrivée de l'été. Quel bonheur de retrouver tous les artistes et intervenants qui réalisent cette fête annuelle. Photos © LENA GHIO 

ENGLISH translation app left

La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal célébrera cette année ses 190 ans avec des festivités hautes en couleur le 24 juin. Les activités débuteront par le traditionnel Défilé, imaginé par Richard Blackburn, directeur général et artistique du Théâtre de la Dame de Cœur. Le parc Maisonneuve accueillera le Grand Spectacle intitulé "UNE CHANCE QU’ON S’A". Les 23 et 24 juin, les Fêtes de quartier se dérouleront partout dans la ville.

Festivités Familiales et Gratuites Tous les Québécois sont invités à célébrer en famille, entre amis ou voisins lors de ces deux jours de festivités gratuites. Le gouvernement du Québec et la Ville de Montréal soutiennent financièrement ces célébrations, rendant hommage à l’histoire, la culture et la langue québécoise.

Marie-Anne Alepin, présidente du Comité de la Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal, a déclaré : « La Fête nationale est une journée unique pour célébrer notre amour pour le Québec. Nous sommes une société dynamique, moderne et créative, et ces célébrations reflètent cela. »

Mathieu Lacombe, ministre de la Culture et des Communications, a exprimé : « Je suis heureux de savoir que les Montréalais pourront célébrer ensemble notre culture. J’invite tous les Québécois à participer en grand nombre aux activités organisées. »

Pierre Fitzgibbon, ministre de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, a ajouté : « Le Défilé et le Grand spectacle de la Fête nationale à Montréal sont des moments cultes pour notre métropole. Célébrons notre langue, notre culture et notre histoire. »

Le Traditionnel Défilé de la Fête Nationale Richard Blackburn a été chargé de la mise en scène du Défilé, en collaboration avec Québecor et Hydro-Québec. Ce défilé, empruntant un nouvel itinéraire sur la rue Rachel, sera une fresque vivante et festive, rassemblant participants et spectateurs au son d’une symphonie québécoise composée d’extraits de chansons populaires. C’est une ode à la tradition, à la modernité et à la joie de vivre.

Pierre Karl Péladeau, président et chef de la direction de Québecor, a exprimé : « Chaque jour, Québecor s’investit pour l’épanouissement de la vie économique, culturelle et sociale des Québécois. C’est avec fierté que nous participons aux célébrations de la Fête nationale à Montréal. »

Le Grand Spectacle de la Fête Nationale du Québec à Montréal Le 24 juin, au parc Maisonneuve, les Québécois bénéficieront d’animations familiales et de camions de cuisine de rue dans une ambiance conviviale. La programmation inclut la répétition générale du Grand spectacle de 12 h 30 à 18 h, suivie de "Le Moment Cogeco Média" animé par Marjorie Vallée à 18 h, et le Grand spectacle "UNE CHANCE QU’ON S’A" à 20 h, animé par Pierre-Yves Lord. Les artistes Claude Dubois, Roxane Bruneau, Patsy Gallant, et d’autres se produiront sur scène.

Félicitations à Madame Louise Harel qui a reçue Le prix Artisan de la Fête nationale 2024! 

•Le Grand spectacle sera diffusé sur Radio-Canada et TVA à 20 h 30, ainsi que sur les ondes des stations musicales de Cogeco Média.

De 22 h 30 à 23 h 15, Pierre-Yves Lord livrera une performance unique en remixant des extraits de 50 grandes chansons québécoises, illustrées par des images d’archives. La soirée se terminera avec Le Vent du Nord qui invitera à danser et chanter jusqu’à minuit.

Les Fêtes de Quartier de Montréal Les 23 et 24 juin, les Québécois célébreront dans les rues, ruelles, parcs et espaces publics de Montréal. Ces réjouissances locales, comprenant spectacles, ateliers et jeux, sont rendues possibles grâce à la participation de nombreux bénévoles.

Pour toutes les informations: https://fetenationale-montreal.qc.ca/