MONTREAL —
Time is running out to see some summer museum exhibition blockbusters as well as a sneak peek for what to expect this fall.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts winds down its summer season with a final look at "Miles Davis vs. Jazz," an exhibition that explores the life of the legendary jazz musician. On display are musical instruments once used by Davis, a pertinent bio of his life, authentic sheet music, vintage posters and album covers, stage costumes and wardrobe, and art created by the jazz great himself. Added bonus: Davis's music fills the air throughout the exhibition. "Miles Davis vs. Jazz" continues through Aug. 29.
It's also your last chance to see "The Inspiria Collection of Necklaces," 20 exquisite necklaces made of precious stones that are each based on a Cirque du Soleil show. The works, on display through Aug. 29, were created by the high-end French jewelry design house Boucheron.
Coming this fall is "Rouge Cabaret: Love, Death, the Terrifying and Beautiful World of Otto Dix," a major exhibition that features the works of the German-born impressionist artist. Dix, who fought in both world wars, was a member of the Neue Sachlichkeit, or New Objectivity, movement of painting, which, according to a press release, "exposed a realistic, often acerbic, view of society during the Weimer Republic, prey to deep unease and pessimism."
"Rouge Cabaret" is presented Sept. 24 through Jan. 2, 2011. At 1379 Sherbrooke St. W. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The temporary gallery is also open until 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Admission to the temporary exhibits costs $15 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, and free for children 12 and under. Half-price adult admission is available 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call (514) 285-2000 or visit www.mmfa.qc.ca.
ECLECTIC, FUN
Soon, Musee d'Art Contemporain winds down its summer session for three exhibitions.
"Yesterday's Tomorrows" is an eclectic and fun collection of installations that combine a unique view of contemporary art with '60s-era modernist architecture sensibilities. In addition, artist Runa Islam offers a series of vintage filmstrip installations, while artist David K. Ross's "Attache" offers a lighthearted look at a museum installation-within-an-installation. The trio continues through Sept. 9.
Then in early October, three new contemporary art-themed exhibitions debut.
This year's 2010 Sobey Art Award nominees — Brendan Lee Satish Tang, representing the West Coast and Yukon; Daniel Barrow, Prairies and The North; Brendan Fernandes, Ontario; Patrick Bernatchez, Québec; and Emily Vey Duke and Cooper Battersby, Atlantic Region — get a well-deserved spotlight and their own exhibition.
The awards are given to Canadian artists who work in the contemporary art field. The winners will be announced Nov. 18.
Next, you're in for a real contemporary art treat. Getting its own exhibition is the art collective known as BGL, comprised of artists Pascal Grandmaison, Adad Hannah and Karen Tam. BGL's works and installations are thought-provoking, eclectic and always unique.
Finally, Winnipeg artist Jon Pylypchuk enjoys a survey of his most recent works, which include painting, sculpture, installation and video. Of note and sure to raise some eyebrows is "The War," which "probes the relationship between humanity, the animal kingdom and technology," says the press release.
The upcoming exhibits run Oct. 8 through Jan. 2.
At 185 Ste. Catherine St. W. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; until 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for students; free for children under 12 at all times and no charge for everyone 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. English guided tours are at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; at 1 and 3 p.m. weekends. Call (514) 847-6226 or visit www.macm.org.
EASTER ISLAND
You have some time left to enjoy the treasures of Easter Island at Pointe-a-Calliere, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. Running through Nov. 14 is "Easter Island: An Epic Voyage," a collection of 200 artifacts from the mysterious Pacific Ocean island.
At 350 Place Royale in Old Montreal. Admission costs $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students and $6 for children 6 to 12. Call (514) 872-9150 or visit www.pacmusee.qc.ca.
Winding down at the Canadian Center for Architecture is "Other Space Odysseys: Greg Lynn, Michael Maltzan, and Alessandro Poli," a unique four-decade journey presented by three architects who offer their take on space travel and exploration. "Other Space Odysseys" continues through Sept. 19.
Coming soon is "Journeys: How travelling fruit, ideas and buildings rearrange our environment." "Journeys" follows the unique concept of increased global movement. It runs Oct. 19 through March 19.
At 1920 Baile St., downtown. Call (514) 939-7026 or visit www.cca.qc.ca.
Steve Howell is the author of Montreal Essential Guide, a Sutro Media iPhone travel app available at iTunes.com.
Showbiz Minute: X-Factor, Glamour, Dylan
K-Stew Packs a Mean Punch
Dwarfing Around With Ray Winstone
VH1's 'Single Ladies' Launches Season 2
RPatz Swaps Cullen for Cronenberg
Stars Crowd Red Carpet for AmfAR
Knick's Anthony on NY Life, Linsanity, New Role
Zefron Gets Eroticised
Kristen Stewart 'On the Road' to Cannes
Mads Mikkelsen on 'The Hunt' in Cannes
Brad Pitt Dispels Wedding Date Rumors at Cannes
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
ShowBiz Minute: Gibb, Billboard, Smith
Robin Gibb of Bee Gees Dies at 62
Raw Video: Will Smith Slaps Journalist
Wes Anderson Makes His Cannes Debut
Tony Nominee Josh Young on Judas Role in 'JCS'
Jaime King's Southern Belle Secrets
ShowBiz Minute: Summer, Gaga, Beckham
Fans Pay Tribute to Donna Summer
