Season of Homages and Creativity

Montreal, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, is set to welcome an array of captivating art exhibitions in the coming months. Here's a sneak peek at some of the exciting events that art enthusiasts can look forward to.

The Chiguer art contemporary gallery is paying tribute to the late duo, Cozic, with an exhibition titled "An Astonishing Journey." This 2015 work by Cozic is a metaphor for existence, presented in the form of ten suitcases that evoke what we carry. The exhibition is a poignant tribute to Yvon Cozic, who passed away recently.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is preparing to open its new decorative arts and design pavilion. With around 800 works and objects exhibited by themes, the pavilion promises to show the evolution of design over several centuries.

Jean-François Belisle, the director of the National Gallery of Canada, is unveiling his first project, "Winter Count: At the Heart of the Cold," starting November 21. This exhibition will present 150 works, from Claude Monet to Kent Monkman, focusing on winter in art from various forms. Notably, admission to this exhibition will be free on Thursday evenings.

The MMFA is also presenting its exhibition of finalists for the Sobey Art Awards 2025 starting October 3.

Monic Brassard, one half of the late duo Cozic, will be present on Thursday, September 11, the evening of the exhibition's opening at Chiguer art contemporary gallery.

Elsewhere, the Musée d'art de Joliette will host two intriguing exhibitions. Genevieve Matthieu is presenting an immersive exhibition, "Danseprophétiqueàl'îlebizarre," from early October. This exhibition is accompanied by a soundtrack and pays tribute to Matthieu Dumont, who passed away last February. Similarly, Sameer Farooq, a Canadian artist of Pakistani and Indian Ugandan origin, will have an exhibition titled "Le plus bel ordre du monde."

The McCord-Stewart Museum is presenting two autumn exhibitions. One focuses on the fashion of little-known African designers, while another titled On the Menu. Montreal: A History of Restaurants will be presented at the end of November. The first exhibition opens on September 25 and explores how fashion has become a powerful vehicle for self-expression in the post-colonial era.

Lastly, Kent Monkman, a Canadian artist of the Fisher River Cree Nation, is having a major exhibition at the MMFA starting late September. This exhibition promises to be a must-see for art lovers, offering a unique perspective on Indigenous history and culture.

With such a diverse range of exhibitions, Montreal is set to offer a vibrant and enriching art scene for the rest of the year. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there's something for everyone to enjoy.