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Inauguration of the Gravitas and Beauty: Parliament Hill Revealed exhibition

National Assembly president Yvon Vallières and Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec president and CEO Jacques Langlois today kicked off the Gravitas and Beauty: Parliament Hill Revealed exhibition by photographer Christian Chevalier, which will run until spring 2010 at Québec City’s Observatoire de la Capitale.

“Gravitas and Beauty: Parliament Hill Revealed pays tribute not only to the splendor of this emblematic site where Québec’s greatest debates unfold, but also to the natural beauty of Parliament Hill. This exhibition is a unique opportunity for visitors to view this magnificent environment from completely new angles,” said National Assembly president Yvon Vallières.

The eastern façade of Observatoire de la Capitale features 24 photographs by Christian Chevalier, revealing all the beauty of Parliament Hill, including the Parliament Building and its annexes, the gardens of Parliament Hill, Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale, and the Tourny fountain. Capturing Parliament Hill by night and day and throughout the seasons, the photographer takes us on an original journey to the heart of this place that symbolizes the exercise of power.  

“I am delighted by this beautiful exhibit at Observatoire de la Capitale, a property of Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec, which, in addition to offering some of the most spectacular views of Québec City and Parliament Hill, is a springboard for exhibits that often showcase unique aspects of the capital,” added Mr. Langlois.

Christian Chevalier, photographer

Christian Chevalier began his television career in Québec City in 1972. Working first as a cameraman and later as a producer, he was subsequently hired by the Proceedings Broadcast Branch of the Québec National Assembly, where he has worked for over 30 years. In 2008 he was named the Assembly’s official photographer, the result of his many years of experience.

Mr. Chevalier, who draws most of his inspiration from nature and portraiture, won the 2008 Grand Prix du Biodôme de Montréal in the nature and wildlife category, was a finalist in the bird category of Belgium’s Expo photos AVES in 2008, and was awarded the Grand Prix du public at Salon des photographes artisans du Québec in 2005. In addition to winning these awards, Mr. Chevalier regularly contributes to ornithology magazines. His work has also been featured in a number of historical and educational publications.