Maman, (Mother) 1999, cast 2003
Louise Bourgeois
French, American, 1911 - 2010
bronze, stainless steel, and marble
measuring over 30 ft high and over 33 ft wide
Purchased for 3.2 million dollars
Photo: Cliff Derksen
Louise Bourgeois
French, American, 1911 - 2010
bronze, stainless steel, and marble
measuring over 30 ft high and over 33 ft wide
Purchased for 3.2 million dollars
Photo: Cliff Derksen
On December we went with our young grandchildren to see "Christmas Live" a dramatization of the first Christmas which included real animals. As we approached and petted animals we constantly reminded them that these are real. Not actors but real. But in this case when we approached this gallery and encountered this sculpture, we were all pleased that this 30 foot spider was not real! Quite a welcome to the National Gallery of Canada!
Notice the Parliament buildings in the background.
"The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother." - Loise Bourgeois (from Wikipedia)
Notice the Parliament buildings in the background.
"The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother." - Loise Bourgeois (from Wikipedia)
Architect Moshe Safdie
Since lighting was a major consideration Safdie decided to flip the traditional windowless design and erect a building surrounded by glass. According to renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh, the new National Gallery is a "celebration of light." He said that the single best feature of the new building was the play of light -- something that Safdie worked very hard to achieve in his design.
Looking up inside one of the amazing glass towers.
Photo: Cliff Derksen
Photo: Cliff Derksen
It was our last day in Ottawa when we visited the gallery. The architecture with the concrete and glass reminded me of our Museum of Human Rights here in Winnipeg. Lots of glass and soaring concrete pillars. I particularly enjoyed the water court and the garden court.
Here we discovered an interactive sculpture, spending some time re-arranging the pieces.
Also found some sculptures, one here that was very interesting. The artist created the sculpture of a man actually carving himself out of a rock. Self made man you could say! Loved the idea.
It was a great experience visiting our national gallery. Checked off another item on my bucket list.
It was a great experience visiting our national gallery. Checked off another item on my bucket list.
"There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man.
We are made up of thousands of others."
George Matthew Adams.
We are made up of thousands of others."
George Matthew Adams.
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