There’s history in art

Even in a world of ‘to each, his own,’ art never ceases to spark lively debate. All the better! From instant praise to immediate scorn, from admiration to incomprehension, art invites an outpouring of emotion. We discuss, we write, we pontificate, we argue…but what if we simply listened? Because art also has stories to tell…

History immortalized in art

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is our national museum of social history and ethnology. Its mission is to study and broaden our collective understanding of cultures past and present. What is the role of art in such an institution? Culture, in the sociological sense of the word, is the sum total of intellectual, artistic and religious manifestations that define a society. A work of art, beyond its purely aesthetic qualities, is a depiction of the relationship between the artist and the society to which he or she belongs. It therefore illustrates a moment in history, with all its intertwined social and cultural underpinnings. Art is a vast wellspring of information and insight that helps us interpret our past, study our world and better understand our society.

From its majestic building – a veritable architectural masterpiece – to the murals, paintings and sculptures contained therein, the Canadian Museum of Civilization invites us to discover works of art that tell a story…our story.

Works that tell a story

At the base of the great staircase on the Museum grounds, you can get acquainted with People. This work of art, belonging to the Canada Council Art Bank, started a new life there in 2005. After a memorable appearance at the Canadian Pavilion of Expo 67, the eleven steel statues, created by renowned Canadian artist Louis Archambault, took part in the Museum’s Cool 60s Design exhibition…and have remained ever since. Witness to a modern aesthetic which Archambault helped bring to Canadian visual art, People expresses the forward-looking optimism and innovation of the day. Some 40 years later, the fun and whimsical side of People engages visitors as they walk among its fantastic figures.

Next time you pass the first doors of the Museum, stop at the small entrance hall and look up. Have you noticed before what’s attached to the ceiling? It’s well worth the look! Amor-phos, the magnificent coloured glass sculpture which brightens the firmament, was created by artist Brian Baxter and donated to the Museum by Matsushita Electric of Canada Ltd., now Panasonic. Its glass undulations symbolize the aurora borealis that light up our northern night skies. The work is a touching homage to the memory of Konosuke Matsushita, the company’s founder who died in 1989, the same year the Museum was opened.

Just as impressive is the fabulous mural that was recently installed in the Southern Salon, telling tales of our blossoming national identity. Commissioned in 1957 by the British American Oil Company, this work by artists Umberto Bruni and Thor Hansen once graced the foyer of their Montreal building. Its 42 colour motifs depict the growth of Quebec, from the Gaspé Cross to the Montmorency Falls, the journey dotted with a number of steeples and birds. The mural is an example of British American Oil’s efforts to marry art, craft, design and architecture, a principle which the company tried to espouse in all its Canadian buildings. If we study the practices of this company, we find a rich history of art patronage that is a reflection of its modernity. The firm produced posters, coasters and other corporate gifts based on original artwork.

These are but a few examples of the many works of art that adorn the walls and ceilings of the Canadian Museum of Civilization…why not come discover their tales of history and culture?