Van Gogh to Kandinsky, Impressionism to Expressionism, 1900-1914

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Dance Hall Bellevue

I have seen the current show at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts twice now, and hope to see it again before it closes. Attendance has already been much higher than expected. The show opened on October 11 and runs until January 25.

Wassily Kandinsky, Arabian Cemetery

More than 100 works are on display. The Big Names (Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin and Matisse) are well represented, along with lesser-known artists (Kirchner, Friesz, Marc and Münter, among others).

Othon Friesz, Cruiser Decorated with Flags in Antwerp

The documentation details the inter-relationships between French and German artists, and the role that private galleries played in disseminating new ideas about art. We learn how groups splintered to pursue new directions in painting, and about the conflict between nationalism and internationalism that preceded the Great War.

Henri Matisse, Studio Interior

A few details: visitors are allowed to photograph some paintings, but not others, according to the specifications of the owners of the works.

VIP membership ($65 per year) allows unlimited museum visits, and offers free group tours, special events, on-line resources and a discount in the gift shop.

I found the audioguide to have TOO much information, but the one-hour guided tour gives a good overview. The galleries were crowded, and with the strong word-of-mouth, they will only become busier. If you are planning a visit, I would go sooner rather than later.

Vincent Van Gogh, The Restaurant de la Sirène at Asnières

To summarize, a welcome opportunity to see first-rate work in a historical context. Enjoy!

To read the Toronto Star's review of the show, please visit this link.