The thrill of finding a work of art that speaks to you can stop you in your tracks—or send you on a quest. Diana Vreeland, the legendary Met Costume Institute consultant, believed that “the eye must travel.” While this could almost be any art lover’s motto, how then do we stand still long enough to enjoy or feel wonder? Thankfully, I have found that the eye also listens. How curiosity and conversation transform a casual viewer into a lover and an art lover into an explorer is one kind of journey I can share.
So where to begin? The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is always a rewarding start—its collection spans centuries and movements, offering a rich context for understanding both contemporary and historical art. From there, the city unfolds for open eyes. Drawn to modern and postwar works? Galerie Cosner offers a selection rooted in Canadian and international selections. If your taste leans contemporary, spaces like Blouin Division, Bradley Ertaskiran, Nicolas Robert, Galerie Pangée, and the constellation of galleries within the Belgo Building—the often exciting Patel Brown and McBride Contemporain—provide a dynamic view into current practices.
In my work as an art advisor, I often meet clients at the very beginning of their journey, curious folk who feel drawn to artworks, but wonder where in the art world to begin. Others come to me with established collections, seeking to refine or expand their vision. Regardless of experience, the question remains the same: “How to find the art you truly love?”
The answer is deceptively simple: you look—attentively and often. You wander through museums, explore galleries, and attend exhibitions. You listen to artists speak about their work. You pause in front of what draws you in, even if you’re not quite sure why. Gradually, your listening eye sharpens. You begin to understand what resonates—whether it’s a minimalist composition, a poetic gesture, or the magnetism of a figurative painting. You learn to trust your instinct, while remaining open to new perspectives that can gently shift the sound of seeing as an immersive action.
Visiting these spaces with eyes wide open and a little time to linger is the best way to start building your own curiosity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions either; the answers enrich your relationship with artists and their work. Whether it’s a knowledgeable gallerist, an art advisor, or simply a trusted friend with well-attuned senses, sharing thoughts and impressions can illuminate your own. When exploring, let the art speak for itself and listen to beauty.
Photos Malina Copadean
