When moving from New York to Toronto, I’ll be honest, it took a little longer to immerse myself in all the art happenings my favorite Canadian city has to offer. Fast forward to today and I am quite happy to report that the city is more alive with art than ever before. This month in the city kicks off the second occurrence of the official Toronto Biennial of Art, which infuses the city with even more art.
What perfect timing for a local spotlight — if you weren’t sure already, I wanted to dedicate this month’s edition to some favorite spots from my adventures in art and culture around Toronto.
🌊 Deep Dive:
Whether visiting Toronto this month or in the future, there is a lot to see - from street art murals on buildings or in alleyways across the city, to art-focused hotels like The Drake, the city has plenty to see from an art and cultural perspective.
Galleries
Galleries are spread throughout the city, and like the city itself, each of the neighborhoods that house them have their own presence. I’ve grown to love this as art visits become even more of an adventure and excuse to explore the city and new restaurants or coffee shops (my second favorite thing to do in the city).
Over Toronto gallery weekend this fall, the initiative put together a little gallery guide that suggested groupings of galleries to visit together, I loved the little map and still find it handy beyond the official weekend.
While many of the Toronto galleries are amazing, I thought I’d highlight some favorites and the exhibitions currently on view:
Towards presents a group of pandemic era drawings by Jenny Gagalka
Blouin Division installed a stunning show of Wanda Koop paintings
Daniel Faria Gallery boasts surprise-filled works of Sara K. Maston
Franz Kaka has a forthcoming exhibition of Connie Wilson and Paul Kajander
Galerie Nicolas Robert is showing the jewel-like paintings of Keiran Brennan Hinton
Museums
The MoCA is finally back up and running in the wake of COVID and they have brought some serious art! I am a huge fan of Felix Gonzalez-Torres who has his first Canadian exhibition there right now. Exhibitions also include the photographs and video works of Shirin Neshat, paintings by Maria Qamar, and a super funky and fun lobby installation by Jeffrey Gibson.
The Matthew Wong exhibition was extended at the AGO, which I could revisit again and again. Also, be sure to check out Haegue Yang’s installation — it’s located straight past the iconic Frank Gehry staircase. (If you read my January newsletter you’ll know I am not always the biggest fan of his museum architecture, however, I think his additions to the AGO are quite nice.)
Art + Hospitality
The Drake has been a long-time favorite of mine, mainly because of its world-class art collection but it is also always a really fun time. Art is hidden around literally every corner here. The hotel has several funky properties throughout Ontario but the original Queen Street location recently completed a big renovation so it is not to be missed!
Public Art
Finally, don’t miss the Toronto Biennial which is currently taking place all over the city from now until June 5th. The Biennial is incredible as it brings together innovative artists from across the globe to showcase their work across the city and is free to the public. The Biennial is such a great cultural moment and aims to make Toronto a part of the global art conversation. In addition to all the gallery shows and museum installations, I am most looking forward to Judy Chicago’s forthcoming smoke sculpture taking place at Sugar Beach.
I also focused on contemporary art here, as that’s my specialty, however, the city also hosts amazing arts and culture outside that specific genre from the stunning performances at the Canadian Opera Company to the Toronto International Film Festival’s takeover of the city every year in September, there is really something for everyone. (That being said, I don’t think I needed to sell anyone on Toronto really, but in case I did, please feel free to see the above as my attempt.)
🔥 Trending
Outside of Canada, young artists were on fire this past month at auction, proving the demand for ultra-contemporary art is still incredibly strong. Records were smashed for Flora Yukhnovich, Hilary Pecis (who has an AMAZING show on at Rachel Uffner - run don’t walk!).
Speaking of Biennials, the Whitney Biennial opened this week. I always love visiting this exhibition as it aims to present an exhibition of what exactly contemporary art is at this moment in time in America. Stay tuned for a review after my next NYC visit.
💸 Advisory Picks
Super excited to share that Peggy (where I am VP, Art!) will be coming to phone near you very soon — be sure to check out the Instagram in the meantime, and stay tuned this weekend for a little surprise… 👀
👋 Parting Words…
Hope this month inspired you to take a look around your city for art or book a trip to Toronto, in either case, shoot me a note if you think I missed somewhere unmissable or have suggestions for other city features.
Until next time…
XX, B