MMFA | Museum ReinventedEXHIBITION
After months of construction, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts unveiled its new additions and collections for the first time on Monday. While the heritage-church turned Bourgie Concert Hall and the pavilion of Quebec and Canadian art are among the most publicly noticeable features, visitors to other wings of the MMFA will discover that virtually everything else has changed too. 
In the Jean-Nöel Desmarais Pavilion, the entire Old Masters and Modern Masters collections have been reinstalled with a splash of flare and colour. Instead of cold white walls, deep marine acts as the backdrop to 17th-century French classicism, greyish lavender in the gallery of 18th-century Rococo paintings, warm orange for the Dutch golden era collection, and royal purple that echoes the salons of mid-19th century Paris. The added dose of colour reflects the destination and settings many painters would have envisioned for their works, while interior walls made of rich woods, like walnut and mahogany help unify the sensory experience.
Over 300 unseen pieces have also been added to the MMFA's Decorative Arts and Design collection, which now occupies the entire Lilian and David M. Stewart Pavilion. Where previous exhibitions featured roped-off objects or Plexiglass boxes that broke the flow of the eye, small showrooms have been added to help contextualize mantel clocks, furniture, and ceramics. An example of this would be Léon Kann's bug-inspired "Fenouil Coffee Services" that is featured among other objects of Art Deco from the 1920s-30s. Neighbouring rooms of Neo-classical, Roman and Rococo design help to provide a chronology of the styles, and for the first time allow viewers to get a sense of the decorative styles without having to look outside the museum.
Among the most impressive of the updates is the new 6-floor Quebec and Canadian art pavilion. Here, visitors can trace the nation's flourishing art scene from its roots in 17th-century France to the present day decorative arts. It's collections boast a range of impressive painting from the Group of Seven, academic styles of the Beaver Hall Group and a large oeuvre of Marc-Aurèle Fortin. To celebrate the importance of the collections, the MMFA has published a new book to commemorate the museum reinvented, and it's unique viewing of the national art scenes. Quebec and Canadian art opens to the public on October 14.
Words + Photos by Mark Blendheim
Luisa Lambri | Emotional StructuresVIDEO
"The spaces I photograph somehow remind me of my own presence in the space," says Italian photographer Luisa Lambri. "Although they're photographs of architecture, they focus more on people and human experience."
By spending long periods of time with a building before shooting, Lambri creates a contrast between what is traditionally known in architectural photography - attention to the exterior environment, and her own style - capturing psychological responses within these structures.
Primarily photographing private houses, Lambri's images project her own personal observations of a home in relation to those of its inhabitants. Both minimal and abstract, Louis documents new relationships between the space and the viewer. Produced by Studio Banana one year ago, I'm discovering the joys of this interview for the first time today. Found via CoolBoom.
Obsolete Gallery | Art & Antiques PROFILE
Obsolete is a gallery-showroom in Venice, California where visitors can enjoy art and antiques simultaneously . The store consists of small vignettes, each one containing its own story and emotional appeal. The owner, Ray Azoulay, curates his store with furniture and art hand selected from shops and sites around the world. I can't help but to feel an overwhelming sense of mystery and nobility in picture above. I found this store via Apartment Therapy and just had to share it.
Antique Mirrors | Ornate, Oversized, OpulentDECOR
If you're contemplating what to do with empty wall space, consider the following - antique oversized mirrors. They are less costly than paintings and help brighten up a space during the day. Visiting your local antique district might be a good start to acquiring a new gem that is sure to be the centre of attention. If you can't seem to find one there - upscale department stores generally carry newer models.
via Desire to Inspire
