There are two S16 art galleries in Montreal: this one in Westmount, and another in Old Montreal…read more
I'm a big fan of many contemporary artists, and modern art speaks to me in ways certain genres of music or literature speaks to others. I try to check out galleries and museums whenever possible. Walking along Greene Avenue after dinner the other night, I was struck by the artwork displayed in this gallery's window. It was SO arresting and SO SO awesome: four separate works depicting the iconic Quebec maple syrup can imposed on a bold colored background. It was like a Canadian Andy Warhol work. (See photo attached). I loved it so much and I figured if it was available as a print and was reasonably priced, I'd return to get them (had to be all four, though, for maximum effect! Just one would not do!).
I returned today with my mother. Wow, what a superb gallery! Entering the space, there's a built-in sleek black counter, the kind you'd see at a cool bar or lounge, with brass railings and a brass wine rack above (complete with hanging wine glasses!) and an integrated sink at one end. Was this space a restaurant or bar at one time? I'm not sure. But this long counter and bar is super cool.
This gallery, I discovered, is not the kind to have inexpensive posters or prints available. They. feature hard-core, original artwork by big name contemporary artists. So I immediately dropped my aspirations to get prints of the maple syrup Warhol-esque works (bummer!) and instead adopted the mindset that this gallery is like a museum, displaying phenomenal works by big-name artists. Sure, they're all for sale, but they usually cost mega-thousands each. (As well they should, I might add. Just know that going in!).
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the pieces on display here today. I took a ton of photos (I asked the man working here if it was okay and he said definitely! So nice!). I felt like I was visiting a fabulous modern art museum.
Looking at the S16 website, I see that they feature and represent many well-known artists like Chuck Close, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein, along with many others whose works (or themes or techniques) you might recognize right away.
I was please to see that Greene Avenue has at least four art galleries (two on this side of the street, and two on the other side). Personally, for me, S16 is my favorite.