VANCOUVER, B.C.- Vancouver, BC – For the first time in Vancouver, rare works by one of the great artists of the twentieth century, Marc Chagall, will be exhibited at the Vancouver Art Gallery from October 16, 2003 to February 8, 2004. Chagall: Storyteller focuses on Chagall’s superb illustrated manuscripts and reveals his unique ability to tell a story.

Chagall: Storyteller includes over 200 works that encompass etchings, drypoints, lithographs, gouaches and works on paper. Commissioned during the early twentieth-century to illustrate master-pieces of literature, these works are outstanding examples of Chagall’s printmaking skills and reflect his artistic process from gouache to final print. The exhibition reveals Chagall’s ability to narrate using eloquent visual idioms and his deep understanding of legends, literature and human nature.

“This survey is the first exhibition of Chagall’s works on paper ever presented in Vancouver and provides insight into his immense talent,” said Kathleen Bartels, Vancouver Art Gallery. “I am very pleased that we are able to offer visitors to the Gallery an opportunity to view the work of one of Europe’s great twentieth-century artists.”

Chagall: Storyteller examines his creative production in relation to three outstanding commissions. Between 1923 and 1952, Chagall received major commissions to illustrate Gogol’s Dead Souls, Longus’ dramatic love story Daphnis and Chloe and possibly the most well known story in history — the Bible. At the end of the Second World War Chagall’s vision was realized and he worked with master print-maker Charles Sorlier in Paris.

This exhibition features Chagall’s 42 colour lithographs of the ancient Greek love story Daphnis and Chloe that set a standard for excellence which may never be equalled. Universally accepted as his most important prints, the Daphnis and Chloe series highlights Chagall’s affection for illustrating the universality of the human condition, perfectly married to the subject matter, the love story of two Greek teenagers.

Born in Russia in 1887, Chagall was part of the Jewish diaspora and spent most of his working life in France. Yet his art was deeply influenced by his childhood in Vitebsk, and many of his most famous works are based on memories of his homeland. In 1914, Chagall returned to Russia after four years abroad in Paris. The advent of the First World War prevented him from returning to the West until 1922. Leaving Russia, Chagall lived at first in Berlin, where he took up printmaking, then settled again in Paris and began the series of works that he is best known for.

Chagall’s unmistakable style is recognized around the world and, like all great art, the opportunity to view his work is both an inspiring and humbling experience. Chagall: Storyteller is curated by Ian Thom, Senior Curator, Vancouver Art Gallery and has been organized by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Chagall: Storyteller closes on February 8, 2004.