Fifty years of Bond style

As promised, here's a look at some of the items that were on display at the TIFF. Unfortunately, I couldn't take pictures in all parts of the exhibit but I hope you'll enjoy this sampling! Even though I'm not really a Bond buff, it was really quite interesting to see all the props and costumes from the movie.

Stylish sign

This past weekend I went to see the James Bond exhibit celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the film franchise at the TIFF downtown. It was quite an interesting display of props and costumes from the various films. My favorite part was definitely the dresses the Bond Girls wore through the years while my husband was more into all the gadgets provided by Q.

For people with more free time on their hands, you could even watch the latest Bond film right at the TIFF. I have never seen a movie in one of their theaters, but they must be nice as they host the Toronto International Film Festival every year. Maybe another time! I'll show you a bit of the exhibit tomorrow. Until then, you can see more signs at Signs, Signs.

The Gardiner

Here's a look at the museum that houses all the works I've been showcasing lately. I love the modern look and feel of this building. It was renovated in 2006 and the new design won the Pug Award for best commercial building that year.

Mith

This is another work from the Gardiner that I actually liked. Maybe I am drawn to these haunting faces, but there is something about the expression here that just pulls me in. This piece is by American artist Doug Jeck; it's part of the Gardiner's permanent collection.

Lovers

This is one work from the Gardiner that I actually liked. The work is called Barque Saint Julien by French artist Georges Jeanclos. I find this piece really moving, there's something so real, yet haunting about the way these two are gazing into each other's eyes.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! I was lucky enough to get in a round of golf today, so it was a good weekend for me.

Traditional pieces

Here's a look at some of the pieces in the Gardiner Museum's permanent collection. These works are certainly more traditional than the pieces I showed earlier this week. I must admit, I wouldn't necessarily want these in my home either, but I can admire the work that went into making and painting these figurines. 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm hoping to get some nice fall shots to showcase next week.

Big winner

Manga Ormolu Ver 5.0-K was the big winner of the People's Choice Award at the Gardiner Museum. Personally,  I don't care for it at all. But I suppose the bright colors are nice!

Under cover

I did a little more digging on the internet and found the website on the Emerging Artist People's Choice award that was going on at the Gardiner when I visited. Under Cover is the work I actually voted for, although to be honest, none of the entries really appealed to me too much. 

I suppose the ornate gun is somehow a symbol of today's society. I don't really know what to make of it all, but I'm sure someone artsier than I will see the beauty and mystery behind these works. I'll show you the winner tomorrow.

Lava

I saw this work of art at the Gardiner Museum a few weeks ago. There was actually a contest going on and this was one of the works in the running. It's a porcelain chain-link volcano entitled Shelter. For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

Tree of life

I found this mural painted on the wall just inside the Brandt House. I'm not sure what the significance of it is, but I think it might have something to do with the summer camps they host there as the names on the leaves were quite modern. In any case, it's a nice welcome to the museum! For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

More from Brant House

The most interesting room inside the Joseph Brant Museum was the fashion display. I love looking at the fashions of times gone by. These dresses are from the Edwardian Age.

The shoes are also fun to look at, although I don't know if people had more narrow feet back then or if they just had to live in pain all the time! Although I like taking a look back in time, I'm still glad I live in the modern days. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Noble savage home

This is the home of Joseph Brant or Thayendanegea as he was known to his people. His native American heritage gave him an important role to play in the War of 1812; he served as a liaison between the British and the Iriqois League. Many Europeans considered him to be the perfect example of the Noble Savage due to the influences of his stepfather and his European-style education. I found his personal history to be very interesting and I've heard alot about him since visiting his former home. Especially since it's the 200 year anniversary of the War of 1812.

A little Moore

I've been finding Moore works all over the place - both here at home and in Chicago! This work can also be found in the Galleria Italia at the AGO. I am thinking about purchasing a one year membership - that way I could visit more often as I just love this place. 

It's a long weekend for us North Americans. I'll be out of town until Monday, but I've got some posts ready for you and I'll be blogging here and there when I have time. Enjoy the long weekend!

Shadows at the AGO

Gehry's new additions to the Art Gallery of Ontario also make for some beautiful shadows. Love how these designs play on the white arches. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! For more shadows, take a look at Shadow Shot Sunday.

Other works

The Art Gallery of Ontario is a work of art in its own right. It was given a major facelift a few years ago by Toronto's famous son, Frank Gehry. This is a look at a Moore sculpture which graces the Galleria Italia, one of the Gehry additions. It's a beautiful space for art!

Illicit shot

I didn't realize that photography was not allowed at the AGO's Picasso exhibit. In my defense, the usual no photos signs (a camera with a red slash through it) were not posted anywhere. Before I was stopped, I managed to get this shot of two of the artist's self-portraits. I love the contrast between his older and younger selves. In case I haven't made it clear, this show is not-to-be-missed!

Doorway to other places

There is a wonderful Picasso exhibit at the AGO right now. If you haven't been yet, it's still on until August 26th. The space at the AGO is perfect for this show and it's so artfully arranged and curated. Picasso is already one of my favourite artists, but I really feel I learned a lot about him and his work from this show. So if you're in the area, GO to the AGO! You won't regret it.

Take a look at more signs from around the world at Signs, Signs.

Contemporary bench

A sleek, streamlined bench inside the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art. I was lucky to get a sneak peek at the current photography exhibit before it opened to the public. It's worth a look if you're in the neighborhood, the exhibits change quite frequently and the space is nice and open.

Contemplative

Another look at some of the Inuit art on display at the museum. I found this piece quite evocative, the piece seems to evoke a feeling of contemplation. Perhaps it is just my perception, what do you think?

To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Inuit clothing

One of the most interesting things at the Inuit Art Museum was the traditional clothing. I always find clothes and shoes fascinating, they're one of my favorite things to see in museums. I imagine someone spent hours  upon hours over this particular garment and I can see the love in it.