The world premiere of a special photographic exhibition of the almost superhuman works of Renaissance painter, sculptor, and architect Michelangelo is in full swing at the Palais des congrès in Montreal.
Opened July 10 and running until Oct. 12, “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” features life-size photographic reproductions of the iconic artist’s paintings from the Vatican chapel.
Raised in Florence, Michelangelo (1476 to 1564) is famous not only for his work as a sculptor—including his iconic “David,” the beautiful Pietà at St. Peter’s Basilica—but perhaps even more so for the fresco paintings done for what was once the private chapel of the popes of Rome and now one of the principal galleries at the Vatican.
Thanks to the amazing collaboration of Martin Biallas, CEO of Special Entertainment Events Inc., a Hollywood-based company which partnered with Los Angeles-based Giobeau Productions and Montreal’s Icon Vision Media Group, this exhibit can now be shown in North America.
What’s more, it can be viewed “up close and personal”—something not possible at the Vatican gallery.
“Visitors can view the magnificent art at a distance impossible to achieve in the actual Sistine Chapel in Rome,” Biallas said in a press release.
“Our special photographic reproduction technique captures the look, size, and feel of the original frescoes through the use of licensed original photos.”
The release said Montreal was chosen for the world premiere because the Palais des congrès’ recently inaugurated exhibit space, Epace 1001, is an ideal venue for the huge exhibition.
“Now Montrealers—not to mention visitors from all over the world—can view this amazing historical blockbuster. The state-of-the-art presentation illustrates the powerful talent of this iconic artist,” said Rudee Vyas, President/CEO of Icon Vision Media.
All 33 ceiling frescoes that make up the Old Testament stories about the creation of the world and of man are included, as well as the magnificent painting of “The Last Judgement” which fills the end wall of the Sistine Chapel.
The fact that the works are reproduced in actual life size makes their viewing in Montreal a very special event because in Rome, viewers are not able to get close and details are not evident. All frescoes are reproduced on a life-size scale made possible through images taken right after restoration 20 years ago by world-renowned photographer Erich Lessing.
For more information, visit: www.chapelsistine.com. Tickets may be ordered at www.ticketpro.ca
Susan Hallett is an award-winning writer and editor who has written for The Beaver, The Globe & Mail, Wine Tidings, and Doctor’s Review, among others. She is currently the European editor of Taste & Travel International. Email: [email protected]
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the curator. Epoch Times regrets the error.
Friends Read Free