The Colours of India exhibition exhibition at Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History
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Montréal, 35 degrees Celsius, dust and colours. The elevator doors open: India welcomes me. I didn’t brave the cold to get to the Pointe-à-Callière museum; my feet weren’t soaked as I visited the exhibition. Before me simply stands India. Whispers of its delicate veil, exotic manners and collective elegance.
I dive in solo.
Between the Lines
At the time I wrote about the Colours of India exhibition, I was on the 872nd page of the book Shantaram. The kind of book that marks you, with its essence you hope will never escape you. Shantaram is what is most human and most tragic about India. And I read on. Ashamed I don’t know more about India’s colours and those who give it its shine.
So, I dive into the Colours of India, hoping the exhibition adds a stroke to the tableau taking shape in my mind. And I go by myself. Curiously, my quest is something somewhat spiritual. I am myself astonished.
Of Photos and Men
The Colours of India exhibition at Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History
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Crisp, the exhibition presents, among other elements, some fifty images taken by Suzanne Held. Shots that are profoundly human, in an exhibition where a bit more humanity wouldn’t hurt. My eyes met frank gazes, fine embroidery. I glimpsed that delicate gesture which captivates, that crowding so full of life. I wanted more. Luckily, Philippe, the-guide-who-knows-things, added anecdotes and life, the brushstroke needed for a clearer picture.
Because getting a picture of India is difficult, albeit fascinating. Random tidbits gathered from the panels: 1.2 billion inhabitants, 330 million gods, 4 main religions, 15 dialects and more... This is a far cry from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
In the end, the photos were a real treat and you promise yourself you’ll add more colour to your wardrobe and you are overtaken by a sudden urge to order a thali at an Indian restaurant on Jean-Talon Street. You feel like you’ve only brushed shoulders with the very essence of India.
And then I was driving back up “The Main” at the heart of Montréal, heading north through Asia, Portugal, Italy…
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