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LoginModern Art (1900–1959)
Modern art refers to a broad movement that emerged towards the close of the nineteenth century and the onset of the twentieth, during a period that saw profound cultural, social and political transformations on a global scale. These transformations resulted in the emergence of multiple artistic modernities.
In the province of Quebec, artists articulated their desire to break with established traditions through approaches that privileged spontaneity and the search for new means of expression. These approaches led to an in-depth and far-reaching shift in aesthetic forms and conventions. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec invites you to explore this artistic revolution.
With a focus on art from Quebec created between 1900 and 1959, our modern art collection features an extensive range of artistic practices and expressions, from sculptures by Suzanne Guité to paintings by Paul-Émile Borduas, Jori Smith, Alfred Pellan and Jeanne Rhéaume, as well as photographs by Maurice Perron. In addition, we are home to the world's most extensive collection of Jean Paul Riopelle's works, which will be on display in the forthcoming Espace Riopelle.
Our collection encompasses not only iconic works of abstract art, but also pieces that reflect the social, political and cultural currents that helped shape modernity. Produced in the context of a Quebec in mutation, the works in our collection equally address societal issues such as urbanization, industrialization and the dynamics of modern life. Ghitta Caiserman's La Grève is one outstanding example in this regard.
Our Museum stands out for its collection, which showcases modern art from Quebec in all its complexity. You will discover daring artistic experiments, a clear break with the traditions inherited from the past, and the affirmation of an independent cultural identity. Offering an inclusive and pluralist panorama, our collection highlights the wealth of artistic practices from Quebec, where modern art draws its strength from the diversity of human perspectives and experiences.
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, with its collection of modern art, is the site that provides a comprehensive insight into the manifold history, culture and identity of Quebec. It is your ideal venue for understanding and reflecting on the very essence of modern art from Quebec.
In the spotlight
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Coq licorne
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Clovis Kernizan
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Jean Paul Riopelle et sa sculpture
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Le Chercheur d'espace
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Chatterie
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Forestine
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Portrait de femme
Curator
Özlem Gülin Dağoğlu
Özlem Gülin Dağoğlu is a specialist in modern art with a Ph.D. in Art History from the Université de Montréal and a bachelor’s degree from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. She has conducted extensive research, both in academic institutions and in private and public archives across Europe and North America. She has also been a researcher at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles.
Her work has been supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art, a Université de Montréal research chair in art history and globalization, and the International Consortium on Art History, among others.
Her contributions to numerous international conferences, publications, and exhibitions testify to her commitment to promoting research into artistic modernities.
She has also taught at McGill University and, before that, at the Université de Montréal. Since August 2024, she has been Curator of Modern Art at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
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