Pure Exhilaration: The Chagall Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario

The essence of Chagall is the essence of Fiddler on the Roof – smiling, joyful, life-enhancing, dreamlike fantasy coping with unbearable tragedy.

At the end of the exhibition, there is a documentary of Chagall talking (pictured here with his wife, Bella). There is no need to understand a word he says – in Russian-accented French. It is the face that matters: the memorable face that exudes his essence.

In your mind you see the pictures as you see him talk.

This is unique.

If you could watch Leonardo talk, you would not see the Mona Lisa.