As host to the world’s largest jazz festival, home of the Under Pressure Festival and modern music faves Pop Montreal and Osheaga, Montreal has grabbed the crown of contemporary cultural hotbed in Canada. It now adds another festival to its annual roster — the Mural Festival.
Debuting last month as a new initiative of the Société de Développement du Boulevard Saint-Laurent (SDBSL), the Mural Festival added vibrant art along Boulevard Saint-Laurent, in parking lots and on the side walls of businesses to showcase the work of 20 Montreal and international artists.
Walking from just south of Sherbrooke Street up to Marie-Anne Street is just over two kilometres. The murals are easy to spot and mixed in with the popular boutiques, shops and restaurants that make up The Main neighbourhood in downtown Montreal.
For travellers, it’s a chance to check out an outdoor gallery on your schedule — best done during daylight hours to appreciate the vivid colours and bold patterns of the one-, two-, three- and even four-storey-high murals.
Here are five of my favourites from the inaugural festival:
Reka One
Credit: Waheeda Harris
south of Sherbrooke
The bold colours used by this Australian artist enhance the simple patterns found within the faces and arms, reminiscent of influences from indigenous art styles.
Jason Botkin
Credit: Waheeda Harris
south of Prince Arthur
A Montreal native, Botkin’s two creatures embody the artist’s signature style of using primary shades of red, blue and yellow to create a unique pattern.
Christina Angelina
Credit: Waheeda Harris
south of Prince Arthur
Showcasing women in her work and using bold and sultry black and white is this American artist’s trademark.
Chris Dyer
Credit: Waheeda Harris
south of Prince Arthur
This Peruvian native, now a resident of Montreal, is influenced by his South American roots and the joie de vivre of Montreal in his colourful creation.
Phlegm
Credit: Waheeda Harris
south of Duluth
This British artist’s style takes its influence from industrial styles and makes it contemporary with his black and white intricate mural of a sculptor at work.
