Last Friday (April 20th), Montrealers put on their best for a fabulous fundraiser for the Fondation du Musée d’art contemporain. It was my second time attending Les Printemps du MAC and I must say that it was even more memorable this year. Tickets sold for $150 and that allowed guests access to the current exhibits, unlimited cocktails, endless delicious hors d’oeuvres, a great dj and a performance by Dr. Draw – an amazing electronic violinist. My highlights of this chic party were: bottomless bubbly upon arrival, vodka sodas throughout the rest of the soirée, hostesses constantly serving a variety of appetizers (nobody went home hungry!), the music, the people watching (everyone made an effort to look spectacular!) and of course, the unforgettable art.
Girl power at the MAC
With three solo exhibitions by women of the same generation interested in the body, sex and pop culture, the Printemps du MAC supporters had access to world-class feminine art! Montreal’s Valérie Blass’s exhibit was incredibly entertaining as it was full of wild sculptures. My favourite piece was Dans la position très singulière qui est la mienne – a recent piece incorporating two mirrors and two headless figures intertwined in a provocative position. The mirrors instantly bring the viewer into the artwork, making it impossible to ignore and extremely personal. Egyptian artist, Ghada Amer was another favourite with her colourful pop-style porn art. Incorporating embroidery in her paintings and drawings, the suggestive images are often subtle and had to be sought out, but of course one did! Nigerian-born Wangechi Mutu’s almost creepy installation Moth Girls – part human, part animal or insect seemingly pinned to the walls – was recently acquired by the MAC, but it was her disco video installation inside a shimmering curtain that I wish they had invested in. I could’ve spent hours in that space.
Printemps du MAC prep
I love an opportunity to get all dressed up and for the occasion, I had my nails done in the latest art by Tami at Tami beauté des ongles, hair by Samantha at Salon Sweet William and I borrowed a stunning vintage opal and diamond necklace from Birks. Putting on the glitz does not have to cost an arm and a leg though, I wore a zurbaines-hued halter dress I picked up at Old Navy! Contemporary colours for a contemporary art gallery event.
Art lovers and fashionistas
Who did I spot at the MAC and what were they wearing? Fashionable friends like Eva Hartling (Birks Public Relations director) wearing a fabulous coral-coloured dress and the new Van Cleef & Arpels double finger diamond lotus ring, Christine Elizabeth Laprade (The Vigilant Fashionista) in Denis Gagnon, Jessica Brownstein Mulroney wearing Birks jewellery and her most handsome accesssory, husband Ben Mulroney. Plus, my personal favourite – Carolane Stratis (Ton Petit Look) in a very cute 50’s style dress, polka dot nylons, black heels and the perfect up-do to complete the look. Classy!
Who do we love?
All the sponsors who made this year’s Printemps du Mac a real hit: LCC wine & spirits, Grey Goose Vodka (Bacardi), the Antonopoulos Group for all the great food from three of their restos (Suite 701, Taverne Gaspar and Méchant Boeuf), DavidsTea for their pick-me up tea shooters and tea & champers cocktails, Geneviève Grandbois for the decadent chocolate and L’Oréal Paris for their makeup touch-up stations.
What not to miss
Les Printemps du MAC 2013, obviously! But, you don’t need to wait until next year to support the museum and to enjoy contemporary art. THAT is always in fashion!
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