The Plural contemporary art fair, created for and by galleries – and for contemporary art lovers, too – takes up residence on the Grand Quai in Montreal’s Old Port from April 11 to 13.
We were there yesterday for the fair’s kick-off and were truly impressed by the variety and richness of the offering from Quebec, Canadian and Montreal galleries, and by the infectious energy of Montreal’s beating heart of contemporary visual arts.
We recommend a visit to the Plural fair to all Montrealers who love to draw and paint, who have kids with mad talent, who want to impress their date with an outing that’s a change from the resto-ciné and to those who crave an injection of beauty and creativity – thick black-framed eyeglasses and a whimsy shape optional.
The Plural Fair
The Association des Galeries d’Art Contemporain, or AGAC, is behind this contemporary art fair which, before being called Plural, was called Papier and has taken various forms since the 80s – but has always been intended as a platform to promote and celebrate contemporary Canadian art.
This year, the fair is taking place at the Grand Quai and, miraculously, the weather was fine last night for its kick-off. The large windows, river water and late-day sun gave the event a euphoric quality.
On two floors, we wandered through the booths of 37 galleries and 7 project spaces from 7 Canadian cities, many of them in Montreal.
Going to a contemporary art fair can be a bit intimidating, because you don’t always know if it’s for you if you don’t work in the art world and you’re not a collector…
But it’s a life hack for all art lovers, because it’s an opportunity to discover the artists of today, those who are shaping and nurturing the contemporary live visual arts scene.
We discovered the work of Sabrina Bockler – which we’ve heard likened to a kind of White Lotus spirit, but with a gentler edge – the dreamy-fuzzy inks of Magali Cazo and the irreverent paintings of Angie Quick.
We were also able to appreciate and (re)discover native artists who, on the international scene, aren’t as well represented and celebrated as we’d like to think, but who are clearly visible at Plural; among them Pitseolak Qimirpik and Qavavau Manumie, whose drawings we adore.
244-0203, 2024
Coloured pencil on paper
23 x 30 in (58.42 x 76.20 cm) – (c) Galerie C.O.A.
The Plural Forum
The three days of the fair are also an opportunity to attend the Forum events, which present round tables, workshops and guided tours to create a space for exchange and reflection on the contemporary Canadian art world today.
It’s for gallerists and collectors, but it’s also for those who want to educate themselves, art lovers and students who want to launch a career in art.
The full program of events for the next three days is here!
We’re looking forward, among other things, to the panel discussion Reframing abstraction: decolonial perspectives on Saturday April 12, and the guided tour with curator Anaïs Castro on Sunday April 13.
Practical info
When? April 11 to 13
Where? Grand Quai du Port de Montréal, 200 de la Commune Street West
How much? General admission $25/ Senior $23/ Students $20 and the three-day pass is $60.
Enjoy the fair!