Major Leonard Cohen Exhibition
UPDATED: This was a superb exhibition, which captured me for most of a full day. See this CBC piece for more information.
A major Leonard Cohen exhibition that includes new, commissioned works by artists the poet and musician has inspired is planned for 2017 at the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal.
“He has filled our collective imagination with thoughts and songs on a number of topics that touch us all as human beings,” Musée director John Zeppetelli said. The exhibition subtitle is “A Crack in Everything,” from Anthem, one of his most famous songs.
The following post on Leonard Cohen: The Poet, The Painter Exhibit was originally published March 7, 2013
The haunting music of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah is automatically associated with the revered Montreal poet, musician and artist. His soul-shaking anthem has been covered by everyone from Jeff Beck to Sheryl Crow, more than 200 in all. Cohen’s poetry is mesmerizing. But his art is captivating, too.
So in sync with the 78-year-old Cohen’s concert (2013) in Winnipeg, Mayberry Fine Art has him on exhibit. Cohen has created hundreds of works over 40 years, often in self-mocking style. Here’s a cross-section of his work.
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For those more interested in his music, two versions of Hallelujah. The first is an Australian broadcaster’s capture of the riveting KD Lang performance at the Vancouver winter Olympics, with still photos. The next is Cohen’s own concert version, which I heard recently (in 2013) – the first time I had seen him live. He remains phenomenal.
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Brett
Very nice to see these collected here. Love Cohen’s music and writing but was unaware of his visual art.
J Walters
I didn’t know either, until recently. But when you think about it, it makes sense that his creativity reaches into art as well as poetry and music.
35andupcynicismonhold
wow! so cool to learn that the songwriter is also an excellent painter… his images are so eye-catching and emphatic. and yet, they’re done with easy flourish, what an arist… thanks for sharing. 🙂
J Walters
Glad you enjoyed. I especially love his journal-like margin notes on the sketches.
35andupcynicismonhold
yes, i agree, ma’am. they give his art an “i-couldn’t care-less” quality. they look informal (like boudeville) but upon looking closely, one would see that they are serious – the theme and the message. 🙂 have a fun weekend!
zookyworld
I really like the style of these… and I had no idea Cohen painted.
J Walters
Yes, it kind of rounds him out even more, doesn’t it.
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