Here we have more art from First Nations artists. There is a rich, vibrant energy to these works.
Quebec and its place in Canada is the next thematic area. In 1967, Charles de Gaulle, the self proclaimed liberator of France, general, president, and narcissistic arrogant egotistical blowhard came to Canada, made a speech and proclaimed, "Vive le Quebec libre" to a crowd outside. It contributed to a nationalist sentiment growing in the province. A real asshole sort of thing to do, frankly, but that term pretty much defined de Gaulle.
In my personal opinion, Charlie didn't do anything during the Second World War that no one else in the Free French could have managed, and it might have been better for history had some German sniper taken him out in 1940.
The sovereignty movement in Quebec has ebbed and flowed over the years. There have been two separation referendums, both of which were narrowly contested, in 1980 and in 1995.
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau led the No side in 1980. Books by Trudeau are here, below a screen. A speech given at the time is here, paused at times for remarks from the leader of the Yes side.
His opponent was the premier of Quebec and leader of the Parti Quebecois, Rene Levesque, seen here giving remarks in the legislature. The effect of the two video recordings going back and forth has the feel of a debate between two leaders, in two different places.
In 1995, the Parti Quebecois was back in power, led by Jacques Parizeau, with allies in Ottawa under Lucien Bouchard, the leader of the sovereignist Bloq Quebecois. Another referendum was called for.
The No side was led by Quebec Liberal leader Daniel Johnson, bolstered by the federal government of Jean Chretien.
Two marionettes are here. This is Parizeau.
And this is Chretien.
More tomorrow. If you don't hear from me, assume I've been strangled to death by the vengeful ghost of Charles de Gaulle.
Interesting exhibits. Looking forward to your next post.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art and exhibit. The first two are my favorites. Take care, enjoy your day!
In 1967, I was at Expo in Montreal. Crowds were lined up waiting to see de Gaulle pass by. We weren't, for we had been touring a building. We looked out the window to see him, or rather his nose, drive by, for he took a different route.
ReplyDeleteThe history I have lived through.......
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art.
ReplyDeleteAnd politicians... aren´t they all but marionettes?
...throughout history we have too often been tribal.
ReplyDeleteThe First Nation art is superb William, so beautifully vibrant 💛 I often think a sniper would be an ideal solution to getting rid of a certain chump!
ReplyDeleteIt seems they cover everything in the museum.
ReplyDeleteThose were stressful times.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool museum!
ReplyDeleteTake care! Those votes were scary times in Canadian history.
ReplyDeleteSeem to have been difficult times !
ReplyDelete@Nancy: thank you!
ReplyDelete@Eileen: thanks!
@Anvilcloud: how men like Churchill and Eisenhower were able to put up with him speaks volumes.
@David: all of us!
@Iris: some more than others.
@Tom: that's quite true.
@Grace: should that happen, it'll be one of his fan club, finally waking up to realize they got suckered by a con man and deciding to do something about it.
@RedPat: there is quite a variety here.
@Red: they definitely were.
@Lady Fi: it very much is.
@Marie: they were anxious.
@Gattina: quite so.
The first two images of the first nations art are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd for the rest ... politics, I have had enough of it today.
Beautiful art from the First Nation.
ReplyDeleteI like the art from the First Nation.
ReplyDeleteWonderful first nation art. As for de Gaulle, I've always considered him a bit of an opportunist.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous artwork of the First Nation ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteLive each moment with love,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Political history is always intriguing.
ReplyDeleteLove those puppets. I find the story of Quebec fascinating -- two cultures, co-existing and yet with the underlying nationalism. It looks like the museum handles this well.
ReplyDeleteLOL love your description of De Gaulle
ReplyDelete@Jan: I know the feeling.
ReplyDelete@Bill: thank you!
@Michelle: so do I.
@Joanne: quite true.
@Carol: thank you!
@Magiceye: it can be.
@Jeanie: it does, yes.
@Susie: it seems appropriate!
I have always enjoyed all kinds of Indigenous art and artists, I am lucky to facilitate a program for Indigenous entrepreneurs and have seen so much talent!!
ReplyDeleteGood!
Delete