June 9, 2010 3:22 PM 
Movement, masks and metaphors
- Posted by Johanna Donovan
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An art exhibit isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the fast approaching World Cup. But, taking a step back from all the excitement provides
an interesting look at the world's favourite game pre-mayhem.
Just in time for the great event, Montreal-born artist Eugene Abrams put together "The Soccer Ballet," an entire exhibit dedicated to his favourite childhood game.
This picture on the right is of Eugene Abrams as he stands next to his painting Johannesburg 2010 with all Africa watching.
Inspired when watching his young son Émile play goalie, Abrams started sketching the flow and movement of the players in action, capturing the angles and lively backgrounds of moving colour. While he did focus on technique and the aesthetics of the world's most popular "dance" form, he began to "explore the different resonances of the images of soccer," he said.
Masks first came into his sketches and paintings to play against the angles of the players' bodies. The idea then grew to include character and culture. Like the characters in the Commedia dell' Arte and in other traditions, the wearer must sacrifice the individual personality and take on a new persona; much like soccer players who sacrifice their egos (sometimes) to assume their roles as part of a team.
"Soccer is a good metaphor for the clashes of cultures, a friendly conflict that sees beyond cultural differences," said Abrams. In few circumstances do so many people from so many different countries come together in a (relatively) nonviolent way and compete against each other for a coveted prize.
This aspect of the World Cup phenomenon may go unappreciated in the next few weeks as the players step onto the stage that is that wonderful green pitch. Practically the whole planet is too busy living, breathing and dreaming about soccer. Such an exciting idea! So enough with the philosophizing, let the ruckus begin!
The exhibit lasts until Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Galerie Trimont
4259 rue Ste Catherine Ouest (between Greene and Clarke in Westmount)
Tel : 514 658-7214
an interesting look at the world's favourite game pre-mayhem. Just in time for the great event, Montreal-born artist Eugene Abrams put together "The Soccer Ballet," an entire exhibit dedicated to his favourite childhood game.
This picture on the right is of Eugene Abrams as he stands next to his painting Johannesburg 2010 with all Africa watching.
Inspired when watching his young son Émile play goalie, Abrams started sketching the flow and movement of the players in action, capturing the angles and lively backgrounds of moving colour. While he did focus on technique and the aesthetics of the world's most popular "dance" form, he began to "explore the different resonances of the images of soccer," he said.
Masks first came into his sketches and paintings to play against the angles of the players' bodies. The idea then grew to include character and culture. Like the characters in the Commedia dell' Arte and in other traditions, the wearer must sacrifice the individual personality and take on a new persona; much like soccer players who sacrifice their egos (sometimes) to assume their roles as part of a team.
"Soccer is a good metaphor for the clashes of cultures, a friendly conflict that sees beyond cultural differences," said Abrams. In few circumstances do so many people from so many different countries come together in a (relatively) nonviolent way and compete against each other for a coveted prize.
This aspect of the World Cup phenomenon may go unappreciated in the next few weeks as the players step onto the stage that is that wonderful green pitch. Practically the whole planet is too busy living, breathing and dreaming about soccer. Such an exciting idea! So enough with the philosophizing, let the ruckus begin!
The exhibit lasts until Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Galerie Trimont
4259 rue Ste Catherine Ouest (between Greene and Clarke in Westmount)
Tel : 514 658-7214
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About the Author
Johanna Donovan (Montreal)
Johanna Donovan was born in Montreal and raised on a healthy dose of hockey and soccer from age five. Growing up in a rambunctious household with her three brothers, one sister and various pets, Johanna developed a love for the feisty, emotional and wonderful world of sport. From playing on a girls hockey team in the men's intramural league at McGill University to being the only girl in a 5-on-5 soccer league in the north of England, Johanna loves being in the world of sports and bringing a fresh look to the field.
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