Jordi Bonet will feature prominently at the MNBAQ to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grand Théâtre de Québec Français
Let the festivities begin!
QUÉBEC CITY, May 27, 2021 /CNW/ - Vibrating to the rhythm of Québec City's cultural community, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is pleased to participate in the festivities surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Grand Théâtre de Québec, founded on January 16, 1971, by paying tribute to Jordi Bonet (Barcelona, 1932 – Mont–Saint–Hilaire, 1979) starting May 27, 2021 in the Gérard Morisset Pavilion at the MNBAQ. "It was important for the MNBAQ to celebrate a cultural organization that has affected several generations of Quebecers by highlighting works from the Québec collection. Bonet not only shaped the walls of the Grand Théâtre and its history through a striking artistic gesture but also left his mark on his era," noted Jean–Luc Murray, Director General of the MNBAQ.
To echo the Catalan artist's celebrated mural, a striking feature of the Québec institution devoted to the performing arts, the MNBAQ will present free of charge in a beautiful space in the Gérard Morisset Pavilion a selection of Bonet's works drawn from its collection, which reveals the diversity of his practice. Bonet died prematurely at the age of 47 and achieved renown as a painter, ceramic artist, sculptor, and muralist. He is recognized as an accomplished artist who stands out in the history of Québec art.
A timeless mural that strikes the imagination
The iconic building in the Quartier des arts has in recent years undergone a major rejuvenation, completed in 2020 in anticipation of this important anniversary. Jordi Bonet's immense mural covers three walls of the theatre. Crafted in nearly 50 tonnes of concrete, the work is widely known for the sentence of poet Claude Péloquin engraved on it: ""Aren't you sick of dying, you gang of idiots? Enough!" As a call to life or an outcry against injustice launched by the celebrated songwriter of Lindberg, the words caused a scandal at the time. A native of Catalonia, Bonet settled in Québec in 1955. He grasped and espoused the fight for a Québec identity when Québec was about to elect its first independentist government. His work is remarkable, and his message undoubtedly warrants re-examination.
Complementary explorations
Visitors to the MNBAQ will also have an opportunity to learn more about the monumental work at the Grand Théâtre through a streaming video in the space organized to pay tribute to Jordi Bonet. Three spectacular walls evoke death (life), space (emptiness), and freedom (acceptance), cherished themes that permeate the artist's entire body of work. A genuine precursor of public art in Canada, Bonet produced more than 100 murals the world over. He was an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. His works are presented in major Canadian collections.
This tribute to Jordi Bonet at the MNBAQ to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grand Théâtre will also be one of the must-see destinations in the new Les Promenades urbaines circuits that will be unveiled during the summer.
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is a state corporation funded by the Gouvernement du Québec.
Jordi Bonet at the MNBAQ
Gérard-Morisset Pavilion at the MNBAQ
Starting May 27, 2021
Free of charge
SOURCE Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
418 643-2150 or 1 866 220-2150
Share this article