There are so many reasons Canada is one of the top destinations for expats worldwide and its modern arts scene is certainly one of them. Preparation when moving abroad is key, and culture is no exception. Getting to know these Canadian favourites is not a bad place to start! Canada has a solid reputation when it comes to modern art worldwide, not just in contemporary art but also with music and comics.
Arcade Fire (http://arcadefire.com)
Arcade Fire emerged onto Canada’s modern art/music scene in 2001. They’re an indie rock band based in Montreal, who amongst the band members include a husband and wife!
One of the core reasons as to why this band are appreciated so much within the art scene is because of the sheer amount of musical instruments they regularly use for their music. The instruments include; guitars, drums, piano, violin, double bass, xylophone, French horn and harp as well as much more.
They’re regular performers at festivals throughout the world and have also been nominated and won many awards celebrating their music and song-writing skills. Check out their latest single, “You Already Know” on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCQW–8VYN0&list=UUUiiO_bccZFMVmnJ2Jj95lg)
Scott Pilgrim vs the World
When we hear the name Scott Pilgrim many automatically think of the award winning film starring Michael Cera. However, like most of the best films it was actually based on graphic story comics by Bryan Lee O’Malley, which was first published in 2004. The story is based around a Canadian guy called Scott Pilgrim, a part time musician who falls in love with American girl, Ramona Flowers. The only catch is, he has to defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her.
Since its release Publishers Weekly ranked it as one of the best comic books of 2006. In addition it has won many awards and has been adapted into an animation, video game and of course a film.
George Bures Miller
George Bures Miller is one of Canada’s most talented artists who is well known for his collaborations with his wife, Janet Cardiff. In 2001 they both represented Canada at the Venice Biennale, which is a major contemporary art exhibition which takes place in Venice every 2 years.
It’s well worth paying their website a visit to admire photos of their installations and walks, the majority of which have received very positive press, which can always be read on the website. (http://www.cardiffmiller.com)
Hopefully, this post has given you some insight into Canada’s art scene and if it has inspired you in the slightest then we encourage you to dig deep and do some research as there is much more on offer from Canada’s ever growing art scene.
