Galerie Rye "Reflection Bay" and Grand Opening

Whether it’s this new gallery’s location in the heart of Montreal’s gay village, the friendliness of those who represent it, or the excitement of the crowd, Galerie Rye is a vibrant venue that is certainly a space to visit and get involved in.

Works by visual artists Jonathan Himsworth, Shane Watt, and Gabriel Deerman are featured in the gallery’s opening exhibition, “Reflection Bay”. During the vernissage on May 22, 2010, local music group Jon Cohen Experimental accompanied the exhibit. Beyond an exhibition of cartography, “Reflection Bay” examines the way in which we engage with city architecture and orientation. Realized in great detail are the visions each artist has for a city. The whimsical exhibition encourages its visitors to invent their own ideal cities.

Himsworth creates cities that thrive on the football (soccer) stadiums of invented teams. His sixteen-piece wallpaper dominates the first major wall of the gallery. Six smaller works are found on the wall opposite. Gallery visitors brought their selves close to these works to carefully examine their details. In a large newspaper document that hangs on another wall, Himsworth describes his ability to have lucid dreams. Himsworth explained to me that he gained this ability after he learnt he would not die from dream paralysis. Although for only a few scenes at a time, he could do anything. What would he do? Visit the football stadiums of his created cities.

Shane Watt’s city maps take on organic forms, much like a bloodstream, clotted with city blocks. Peculiar names are given to nearly every city street, body of water and park. “Mindful Island”, “Static Park,” and “Vision Lake,” are places I’d like to explore. I might veer clear of “THE FOAMIN BRINE IN WATER,” “CORK BOBBIN,” and the “SEA OF NEGATIVITY.” I almost expect his cities to alter their orientation once I am inside them. With invented names and references to real places, the whimsical texts of Watt’s maps leave us disoriented, searching for what might be familiar, and eager to explore what is not.

Behind the performing Jon Cohen Experimental are the works of Gabriel Deerman. Assorted frames hold images of individuals who inhabit these cities. Lines connect the portraits as a map of their relationships. The talented and modest Jon Cohen Experimental created a pleasant mood for the gallery. You have missed their delightfulness? Do not fret! You can catch them next Saturday, May 29th, with Amelia Curran on 4051 St. Hubert.

There is something refreshing about Galerie Rye that is best attributed to its inviting atmosphere. Beyond being a commercial space for art, Galerie Rye also functions as a boutique and centre for a community interested in art. Galerie Rye is a spot to keep our eyes and ears on.

Galerie Rye: www.galerierye.com
Jon Cohen Experimental: http://www.myspace.com/thejoncohenexperience