WINNIPEG.- The Winnipeg Art Gallery is presenting two exhibitions featuring famed 20th-century artist Marc Chagall, alongside a show highlighting Esther Warkov, one of Manitoba’s most distinctive painters.

Presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada, Chagall: Daphnis & Chloé showcases 42 lithograph prints by the artist, widely considered the crowning achievement of his career as a printmaker. The NGC@WAG show is complemented by Chagall & Winnipeg, revealing the tale of friendship that developed between Chagall and former WAG Director Dr. Ferdinand Eckhardt. Both exhibits run until September 11.

On view until October 16, Esther Warkov: Paintings, 1960s-1980s presents a retrospective of the distinguished Winnipeg artist highlighting one of her defining periods.

“Spring is the perfect time to showcase Chagall’s vibrant work as part of our NGC@WAG partnership with the National Gallery Canada,” states Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO. “Visitors will learn about Chagall’s relationship to the WAG in Chagall & Winnipeg, and also experience an exciting display of paintings by celebrated Winnipeg artist Esther Warkov.”

Launched in 2013, NGC@WAG has resulted in the production of over ten exhibitions, bringing to Winnipeg some of the finest works in the national collection. The latest collaboration features Russian-born Jewish artist Chagall, a pioneer of modernism, and his illustrations of Daphnis & Chloé, depicting the semi-erotic tale written by the ancient Greek poet Longus.

“Chagall: Daphnis & Chloé presents some of the treasures of the national collection seldomly shown in public given their fragility. The exhibition highlights Chagall’s unique style and fanciful, richly coloured imagery. The National Gallery is pleased to collaborate with the Winnipeg Art Gallery to make works from the National collection accessible to more Canadians” states NGC Director and CEO Marc Mayer.

In contrast to Chagall, Warkov’s work was forged in Winnipeg’s North End. Her stylized motifs reveal the clear influence of the Eastern European immigrant community into which she was born.

“Warkov is adamant that her paintings do not tell a specific story and invites the viewer to meander through her work,” states Andrew Kear, WAG curator of Historical Canadian Art and exhibition curator. “It is exceptional to view Warkov and Chagall alongside each other; the stylistic parallels are stunning.”