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pic of the month

In reexamining Marc Chagall's Carmen, I was reminded of its complexity and outright beauty. We just acquired an example of what is known as the artist's most prized graphic work, named after the opera by Georges Bizet. Translating a detail of his "Triumph of Music" mural installed at the Metropolitan Opera, Chagall worked for months to perfect the large-scale lithograph. Mirroring the intricate plot, the composition includes certain details that capture the viewer's attention. First, there is the central figure of the mandolin player, a secret portrait of Rudolf Bing, who had commissioned the original wall-size decoration as the Opera's director. This musician likely represents the bullfighter Escamillo, who vies for Carmen's love with an equally smitten soldier, Don José. Participating in the long tradition of honoring patrons with a hidden portrait, Chagall weaves in all sides of his folksy, whimsical and thoroughly modern art. Carmen contains references to many aspects of the opera's tragicomic story: Don José holds a dagger in his hand, presaging his impassioned murder of the woman he loves after she rejects him; a bullfight in a tiny ring at the top recalls this second lover's occupation. In a final twist, the illuminated New York skyline places this old tale of love lost in an urban, 20th century context.

all's fair in art

While May isn't the biggest month for art fairs, a few events caught my eye. Bringing together hundreds of artists and galleries under one roof, an art fair is a great way to learn about new works in an exciting environment, for the price of a dinner out. Collectors benefit from viewing the star pieces of so many collections, all within a stone's throw, making for easy comparison between styles and mediums in an energizing environment. There's something special about the fact that dealers, agents, artists, collectors and enthusiasts congregate from the world over for the purpose of displaying, viewing and buying art. And I haven't even mentioned the artist and curator talks that provide additional depth and context.

The Frieze Art Fair, New York, made a big splash at the beginning of the month, hosting 180 contemporary art galleries in its first installation on this continent. On the Best Coast - I'm sorry - the West Coast, the San Francisco Fine Art Fair and artMRKT will face off in the city by the bay for the second year running, May 17-20th [a case of, my modern and contemporary art is better than yours, I'd say]. This same weekend, the Hong Kong International Art Fair might take the cake with its roster of 266 galleries, all contemporary. It must be true that Hong Kong's art market is the world's third largest, just behind New York and London.

photographically speaking

I know we don't sell photos, and not a one of us is Canadian, but I would be on the next flight to Toronto, if I could. Running throughout the month of May, the photography festival CONTACT 2012 - the largest of its kind in the world - is hosting a series of exhibitions, installations and events inspired by the theme "Public." The tension and boundaries between public and private is explored in everything from a panel discussion titled "Gender and Exposure in Contemporary Iranian Photography," to a workshop aimed at helping creators develop an artist statement.

Walking through one of the festival's mini-exhibitions might expose you to a Greek "lonescape", a black and white still life of two animal skulls or a surreal image of construction workers putting up the bones of a building, suspended like holiday lights against the bright sun. Given the scope of subject matter and nationalities, CONTACT 2012 promises to be a great photo opportunity, or Kodak moment, if you'll allow the pun.

exhibition-(l)ist

"Rembrandt in America" at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio; through May 28

"The Steins Collect" at the Metropolitan Museum, New York; through June 3

Well, San Francisco had it first, but the show's East Coast installation is by no means second-rate.

"Brassaï photographe: Sa rencontre avec Matisse" at the Musee Matisse, Nice; through June 3

Exhibitions about relationships between two artists are always fascinating, especially when they connect different mediums.

"Dürer and Beyond" also at the Metropolitan Museum, through September 3

The first exhibition to survey the Museum's collection of Central European drawings, including some exceptional works by everybody's favorite Northern Renaissance Master.