AIR - Quebec Archaeology Book

Archaeology of Québec Collection:
AIR — Territoire et peuplement

Montreal's Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archeology (PAC Museum) has launched the first book of its Archaeology of Quebec Collection which will consists of5 volumes. The books will present to the public the results of about 50 years of archaeological research in Québec. They will reveal the full richness of Québec’s heritage, the importance of preserving it and making it better known. 

The first four books of the Collection will deal with archaeological discoveries. They will be organized according to the four elements: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Each book will represent a coherent whole and will feature abundant illustrations. The fifth book will complete the series by presenting many collections of artefacts from Québec, notably those of the Province of Québec.

The first book in the collection AIR — Territoire et peuplement will bring the reader to travel across the vastness of Québec’s territory from up in the air. This will allow to better understand the historical developments and settlement patterns over thousands of years.

Many archaeological sites have been unearthed in the last 50 years, and a number of them is featured in this book. The captivating text written by archaeologists and historians brings back to life the unearthed remains and artefacts. It tells the reader of thousands of human destinies that shaped the land and influenced the settlement of Québec. It speaks of traces of Amerindian homes, the remains of the Habitation de Champlain, as well as of the Parliament of the United Province of Canada. It describes the portage trails and also the street car rails.

AIR was written by archaeologists Jean-Yves Pintal and Gisèle Piédalue, and by historian Jean Provencher. Some twenty collaborators were also asked to contribute, enriching the book with their varied perspectives.

Here are a few more pages from the book:

Unfortunately, this book was published only in French and there are no plans presently of translating it.

For more information about the PAC Museum, their exhibitions, and the opening hours, visit the museum's website:

http://www.pacmusee.qc.ca/en/home

For the museum's gift-shop and online shop:

http://www.pacmusee.qc.ca/en/plan-your-visit/gift-shop

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MMFA 2015: Orientalism

MARVELS AND MIRAGES OF ORIENTALISM:

From Spain to Morocco

Benjamin‐Constant in His Time

January 31 - May 31, 2015

In a few days, The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) will open its new exhibition. It will offer to visitors a very exotic experience, a travel into the past when the Oriental style and subject matter were fashionable in the European art. Undoubtedly, what drew the painters to depict oriental topics were the richness of colours, the variety of the ornamental designs and themes, the lushness of clothing and decoration, as well as the pure exoticism they could so freely portray in their works. All of these oriental elements could be seen in an enormous and most striking painting that greets visitors at the top of the staircase leading to the exhibition's entrance. The photo of that painting is just below. It depicts the interior of a harem in Morocco, and it was painted by Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant.

The exhibition mainly focuses on the works of Benjamin-Constant, but it also covers the general trends of the Orientalism style, also presenting works of other artists. Just below, to the left, you can see the bronze bust of Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant framed by a rich oriental carpet. To the right, an exotic rug frames an oriental-looking salt-glazed stoneware vessel. Hover your mouse over the photos for more information and the names of the artists.

This exhibition also offers a number of magnificent portraits. That of a Moor below, to the right, is by Benjamin-Constant. Note the man's fearless and straight gaze. Also notice the free-stroke manner in which his head-piece and the white textile flowing to his shoulders is painted. It almost reminds one of the expressionist's style of painting.

In the middle of a cold Canadian winter, the whiff of the colourful southern exoticism is well appreciated. Do not hesitate to visit this exhibition. It will widen your window of knowledge of this unique chapter of art history. 

The exhibition is also accompanied by a catalogue available at the museum's store.

Click on any image to enlarge it.
Hover your mouse over images to see credits.

For more information, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts's website.

2015 Montreal Auto Show: Performance Zone

Montreal International Auto Show 47th Edition: Performance Zone

January 16 - 25, 2015

The performance Zone of the Montreal International Auto Show features a unique collection of cars and motorcycles. Their distinguishing feature is that every one of them has been modified by the owner or previous owners in order to create a one of the kind vehicle. Some are true museum pieces.

Some pieces on display are intended to dazzle, like the car above and the two motorbikes below.

The others are placed in such a configuration as those below, as if to suggest a sculptural installation. The first photo shows the Ford F1 from 1951, and the second, the Volkswagen Beetle from 1952.

The Performance Zone is a rather unique exhibition of the intense creative impulse of some car and motorbikes affectionados.This is a show in itself within the larger Montreal Auto Show and not to be missed!

To find more about the Montreal International Auto Show visit their website:

http://www.salonautomontreal.com/en

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