Blue Boat in the Sun, Le Dramont – 1951 | Gouache on paper mounted on hardboard
H:39.2 cm, W: 57.8 cm – Private collection
Russian artist Marc Chagall is acclaimed as the greatest artist of the twentieth century. He was also considered the pioneer of surrealism although he did not claim to be. Actually, Chagall worked in many radical modernist styles at various times throughout his career, exploring Cubism, Suprematism and Surrealism, all of which possibly encouraged him to work in an entirely abstract style.
Born in White Russia, Chagall studied and lived in France for a long time. From the 1950s to the 1970s he lived in the south of France. His works received the same popularity as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
During the time he lived in the south of France Chagall enjoyed greater status in the art world and he got involved in various kinds of art. Followed by drawings for the Bible Series, he created the stunning colour lithograph series Daphnis and Chloe based upon the ancient pastoral tale of the two, which captures the triumphs and tragedies of young love.
After that he started to make stained glass windows for cathedrals in Jerusalem and France. Another remarkable creation is the magnificent ceiling of Paris’s Opéra Garnier, which was unveiled in 1964. In addition, he made stage curtains, costumes and masks for Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
During June, Macao Museum of Art (MAM) presents Marc Chagall, Light and Colour in Southern France featuring over 100 works by the artist created between the 1950s and 1970s. It includes paintings, gouaches, lithographs, costumes and tapestries, showing the pre-eminence of light and colour, transporting exhibition-goers to a distant realm of illusion. Chagall drew inspiration from his memory and imagination, which is why his works often feature dazzling, fantastic colours. Through this exhibition, the public can enjoy a poetic artistic journey at one with the artist’s creative world.
In order to enable exhibition-goers to experience more about Chagall, MAM will also hold a series of complementary activities, including Cantonese guided tours every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday afternoon from 2nd June onwards.
