Thursday, July 7, 2022

Greenery In The National Gallery

As I mentioned yesterday, I am starting a series from the National Gallery of Canada today, from a visit taken during Canada Day. I resolved on that day to just visit one museum, as opposed to my traditional mad dash around three or four of them on Canada Day. 

The Gallery has roots stretching back into the 19th century, and its present quarters dates to 1988, a modern mix of glass and granite that well suits its purpose. This view along the south side takes in its neighbour across the street, Notre Dame.


Coming towards the main entrance I looked south, with landmarks like the Peacekeeping Monument, the American Embassy, and the Chateau Laurier visible.


This is Maman, by Louise Bourgeois.


Out of consideration for social distancing, the main entrance was the exit, and the entry point was by way of the group entrance. Inside and en route, I paused beneath the fountain that occupies one of the two courtyards and looked up to take this shot. We'll see more of it to come.


The main entrance hall has a work of art assembled within at the moment. Capsule was assembled by Rashid Johnson over the course of the pandemic. A mix of plants, books, and other materials on tiered shelving certainly makes for a very different artistic experience.


Up the long ramp I went towards the permanent galleries.


Looking out one of the windows in the glass tower at the end of the ramp, I took this shot of Major's Hill Park, with Parliament Hill beyond.

30 comments:

  1. I remember Maman visiting Stockholm a few years ago. This one looks good where it is.

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  2. Me encanta la vista de la fotografía número 1 y la escultura de la número 3.

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  3. ...the gallery is spectacular.

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  4. Living plants are always welcome. It humanizes a building for me.

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  5. Beautiful views of the gallery, greenery and I love that spider. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  6. That’s a pretty unique entrance.

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  7. I really loved that greenery, plus the spider is awesome.

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  8. The architecture there is just amazing! The spider freaks me out though... 😆

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  9. Johnson's installation is spot on pandemic decor! Great pictures.

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  10. @Stefan: I know there are several versions of her out there.

    @Francisco: thanks.

    @Ventana: thank you.

    @Iris: quite so.

    @Jan: me too.

    @Tom: it is.

    @David: I can see that.

    @Eileen: thank you.

    @anvilcloud: it is!

    @Gemel: I agree.

    @Sandi: some people will enter via the group entrance to avoid her.

    @Maywyn: thanks.

    @Denise: indeed.

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  11. I should visit Ottawa again one of this days...

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  12. You provided us with a nice view of the setting of the gallery. Looking forward to the tour.

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  13. That "plant" sculpture is a creative idea. I like it.

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  14. Beautiful views. I remember Maman, it's pretty impressive.

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  15. I always love a mix of plants and books. How nice to see that!

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  16. The greenery is lovely and so is the museum. It has wonderful angles to shoot.

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  17. @Magiceye: indeed.

    @Catarina: you should.

    @RedPat: lots to come.

    @Sharon: it was well done.

    @Bill: it's a good sculpture.

    @Aritha: it's well thought out.

    @Jeanie: very much so.

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  18. I love that second last shot. It gives the feeling of openness though it is narrow. Beautiful light!

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  19. I love the plants. Resembles our Botanical Gardens.

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  20. I thought so! These buildings are many years after my last visit to your province. Thanks for showing them to us

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