In complete contrast to the Miro “art” we saw on Thursday, we also took in a number of the fixed exhibits, my favourite being the huge canvases of Jean-Paul Riopelle. I love certain aspects of this Québec (Montreal-born) artist’s work, whose abstract expressionism is, again, a kind of art you either love or dislike, intently. So, what do you think, do you like his style?
In order to recover from being inside for almost the entire weekend, last weekend, this Wednesday we spent the day outside at the University Laval Botanic Gardens soaking up some sun. As usual, the array of flowers didn’t disappoint, especially the peonies—my favourite flowers. We were spoilt for choice. I hope everyone has a great weekend!
“Come and see the Miro Exhibit,” they said. “No, thanks, not my cup of tea,” I replied. So where did we end up this morning? Yes, you guessed, the new Joan Miro exhibit at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. For someone who studied art history for my A levels, there are artists I love, and then there are artists who make me scratch my head in wonder. Spanish artists, Joan Miro, is one of those you either love, or love to hate. I’m neither, but I do find it amazing that people continue to gush over what is, essentially, for me at least, ‘Street’ art—yes, I think he was something of a graffiti artist of his day. I’ve seen work done by elephants that have more depth, colour and beauty than an average Miro painting, and sell for a lot less too. But then, who am I to say what is art, and what isn’t. It’s all very subjective, and personal. Like what we like to read, or watch by way of movies, we all …
Day 3 at the ComicCon wasn’t so much a full day of panels and guest talks, as half a day. While we had the opportunity to dash from one venue to another and catch two panels—the other being with Christopher Lambert, he of Highlander fame—we decided to have a late morning, and went just to the Star Trek: Discovery panel, with Anson Mount, who played Captain Pike in season 2, along with Ethan Peck, who played Spock. You could not have asked for two better guests to talk about what it was like to play not only on the latest Star Trek show, but two legendary and iconic figures within the Star Trek Canon. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy their hour up on stage, but we scored tickets for a Photo Op later that day with them both. I wouldn’t be lying if I said I didn’t swoon at being hugged by Anson Mount, even if it was just for a brief second in time.
Saturday at the ComicCo, saw us cram in three guest panels in what was a very long day. The first was the absolutely lovely Lana Parrilla—who played the Evil Queen, as well as Mayor Regina Mills, and, by season seven, Roni, in the TV series, Once Upon A Time. From Lana we had a small break before the next guests, The 100s: Bellamy, Clarke and Echo, or, Bob Morely, Eliza Taylor, and Tasya Teles, took centre stage. Funny how the only one who looked remote like his onscreen character, Bellamy, was Bob Morely! We literally had time to exit stage left from the 100’s panel, head for a bathroom break before we then had to queue for the next guest, Tom Felton—yes, Harry Potter’s bad boy, Draco Malfoy! And, after watching this young man charm and beguile the crowd, I am a huge fan! Oh, and he sings as well … he serenaded us with 3 of his own compositions. All I can say is if you ever get the chance to see him up …