If you’re looking for great art, go to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto where they have Reuben’s Massacre of the Innocents and exhibition rooms full of works by the Group of Seven. If you’re looking for a crash course in art history, come to Ottawa’s National Gallery of Canada.
The Gallery accompanies relevant music to each exhibition space with religious music paired with biblical art from the 16th century, baroque music played in rooms with 17th century art, et cetera. The one set of exhibits that made the deepest impression on me was their room with impressionism and pointillism.
I first came into contact with these forms of art while visiting Vienna, when the Albertina had a special display on about the history and transition between impressionism and pointillism. They also had a Margritte, the same artist who painted Son of Man, the famous painting depicting a green apple in front of the face of a man. I had the opportunity to view this work in Basel in mid-2020, which would otherwise be in a private collection.
In other news, the architecture of the Gallery prompts reflection from visitors. It has portholes with views into reflect light wells, a large glass atrium at the lobby, and an indoor garden in the centre of the building. If not for the art, then for its serenity and thought-provoking displays.
