Beyond Pop Art:
Tom Wesselmann
Jean – Noel Desmarais Pavilion (Museum of Fine Arts Montreal): Montreal, Quebec Canada
May 19 – October 7, 2012
When we were on Montreal we checked out the Beyond Pop Art: Tom Wesselmann exhibit at the Jean – Noel Desmarais Pavilion which is part of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (
http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/
). I was excited to see his work as he was part of the same group that worked alongside Andy Warhol during the Pop Art scene in the 60’s. A lil confession, I love Andy Warhol. He is one of my favourite artists.
Tom Wesselmann (1931-2004) was one of the greatest American artists associated with the Pop Art movement. Famous from the early 1960s for his Great American Nudes and Still Life’s, he is nonetheless the only one of his contemporaries associated with that seminal twentieth-century art movement who has not yet had a major exhibition in North America. Organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibition will be presented in a Canadian exclusive in Montreal, then at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, in the fall of 2013. It will show the evolution in the work of this artist, whose passion for style casts him as an heir to such great French masters as Ingres and Matisse. His interpretation of the history of art and the definition of genres led him, along with Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, to invent a “Pop” aesthetic. Most people are aware of Tom Wesselmann’s brilliant career as a painter. However, amongst many other things, he was also a devoted fan of country music and a prolific songwriter in that musical genre. Given the place that music now occupies at the Museum, some of Tom Wesselmann’s musical works is also showcased in the exhibition.
My favourite pieces were at the exhibit Still Life No. 60 Oil on Canvas (1973) – it consisted of 6 sections, 5 freestanding. 309.8 x 845.8 x 218.4 cm.
Still Life No. 60 Oil on Canvas (1973) – it consisted of 6 sections, 5 freestanding. 309.8 x 845.8 x 218.4 cm.
It was grandiose, intricately designed but also gobsmacking lovely. He created small scales models which then he would interpret into a larger scale piece using a mathematical algorithm that goes over my head. The piece had its own room and let me tell you – you really needed a moment or two with it.
Another favourite which also reminded me so much of a Andy Warhol piece was Still Life with Liz Screen-print (1993) – h: 59 x w: 57 in / h: 149.9 x w: 144.8 cm.
Still Life with Liz Screen-print (1993) – h: 59 x w: 57 in / h: 149.9 x w: 144.8 cm.
The exhibit runs until October 7, 2012 so if you find yourself in Montreal this summer – definitely check it out. The cost of admission guarantees you a wonderful experience at the Museum of Fine Arts at the Tom Wesselmann exhibit. Ensure you take a take in all of the MOFA’s other fine works whilst you are there too.
Merci Catherine for your assistance in helping me create this post! 
Voila for the Museum’s website
http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/
Museum Opening Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is half price on Wednesday nights, from 5 to 8 p.m. for adults.
Admission Prices
Age 26 to 64 $15 for the Temporary Exhibition
Age 65 and over $12 for the Temporary Exhibition
Age 13 to 25 $9 for the Temporary Exhibition
Age 0 to 12 Free for the Temporary Exhibition
Age 26 to 64 $7.50 on a Wedesnday Night
Age 65 and over $7.50 on a Wednesday Night
Age 13 to 25 $7.50 on a Wednesday Night
Yours in travel,
Mel xo
