Viewers spoke in whispers and demonstrated a reverence for what they were seeing. It was though a hush had descended and we were all cloaked in its space. It felt other worldly. The paintings were enveloped in what appeared as French interiors. The French Impressionist paintings hung on walls with highly decorative elements and were mirrored to some extent in the glorious carpets. This was indeed a reflection of another time and space. The painters of light with their subtle hues that embraced harsh as well as gentle illumination emitted joyfulness and opportunities for contemplation. I, like many others sat in silence. We were, indeed, in the presence of a world so unlike the world we live in with the constant raging of war. The exhibition at the NGV International contains not only the beautiful landscapes we associate with the movement, but also figurative works and is well worth seeing. My favourite painting was by one of the few women in the exhibition by Louise Abbeme.
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