The MNBAQ will host the North American premiere of a unique retrospective
QUÉBEC CITY, June 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Following a sensational launch at the Tate Modern in London, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is proud to announce with great fanfare the North American premiere in Québec City of the Alberto Giacometti exhibition. From February 8 to May 13, 2018, visitors can discover this major retrospective presented by Desjardins in the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion of the MNBAQ and appreciate the emblematic work of one of the 20th century's foremost artists.
The exhibition is being made possible through a cultural development agreement between the Québec government and Québec City. The $1-million contribution comes from the Mesure d'aide financière à l'intention des musées d'État pour des expositions internationales majeures.
This outstanding project also stems from the unfailing commitment of Desjardins, a key partner of the MNBAQ and its foundation, which will enable Québec City to host this exhibition devoted to Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966), a Swiss sculptor and painter who lived in Paris, the first one organized in North America for over 15 years by the Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti in Paris.
Giacometti is known for his unique sculptures of inordinately elongated subjects or threadlike figures with especially detailed surfaces, but the exhibition will also celebrate the painter. The Québec City exhibition will feature paintings and original plaster casts, including several never before exhibited.
Among the masterpieces assembled, Suspended Ball, Pointing Man and the celebrated Walking Man are included in the impressive body of nearly 150 works from the varied collection of the Fondation and major European collections. This unique exhibition will highlight roughly 100 sculptures and 50 paintings, ranging from the artist's early work in Paris in the 1920s to his crowning achievements in the 1960s, a brilliant career that spanned over five decades.
A renowned curator, Catherine Grenier, the Director and General Curator of the Fondation Giacometti since 2014, has worked on 30 major exhibitions, in particular at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, including Les années Pop (2001) and Los Angeles 1955-1985 (2006). She has coordinated this outstanding project that showcases Giacometti's career marked by surrealism but also his interest in African art.
The UK press has commented enthusiastically on the exhibition since it opened. "Giacometti review - A spectacular hymn to human survival," noted The Manchester Guardian. According to The Times, "the intensity of this huge range of work by Giacometti is thrilling." The next stop is the MNBAQ in Québec City in 2018.
The first MNBAQ GALA,
Art, architecture and philanthropy
In addition to acting as official presenter of the Alberto Giacometti exhibition, Desjardins will also contribute to the organization of the first MNBAQ GALA, a colourful, prestigious benefit to be held on May 5, 2018. Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, will act as honorary president. As such, he wishes to rally socioeconomic stakeholders to the MNBAQ's cause. Participating businesses and philanthropists will support the museum's mission, ensure its future and the long-term survival of its numerous projects. The event, the most ambitious one undertaken by the Fondation du MNBAQ, will focus on art, architecture and philanthropy and will host numerous major artists, designers and celebrities. Numerous Québec talents and international artists will also be invited to this not-to-be-missed event.
Quotes
"Québec City is once again establishing itself as an outstanding cultural destination by hosting the Giacometti exhibition. Through the Mesure d'aide financière à l'intention des musées d'État pour des expositions internationales, Québec City is proud to contribute to this key attraction during the winter of 2018," Québec City Mayor Régis Labeaume added.
"For Desjardins, contributing to the success of this prestigious exhibition in Québec City is a source of pride. This partnership will not only enable the entire community to benefit from the exhibition's diversity but also to mobilize philanthropists around a project with significant economic impact for the region" Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group said.
"The retrospective devoted to this icon of 20th century European art is enabling our institution to participate in a prestigious international circuit. It took the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, a showcase of international calibre, to host the Giacometti exhibition in Québec City, and deeply committed financial partners," concluded Line Ouellet, Director and Chief Curator of the MNBAQ.
Alberto Giacometti presented by Desjardins
Pierre Lassonde Pavilion of the MNBAQ
February 8 to May 13, 2018
MNBAQ Gala
May 5, 2018
INFORMATION : 418-643-2150 or 1-866-220-2150
RELATED LINKS :
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec : mnbaq.org
Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti : fondation-giacometti.fr
Fondation du MNBAQ : fmnbaq.org
Desjardins Group : desjardins.ca
SOURCE Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
For the MNBAQ and the Fondation du MNBAQ, Linda Tremblay, Head of Media Relations, 418-644-6460, ext. 5532, [email protected]; For the office of the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection of the French Language, Karl Filion, Press Officer, 418-380-2310; For Québec City, Carine Loranger, 418-641-6210, [email protected]
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