Canada is home to a vibrant and diverse art scene, flourishing in cities across the country. The cities of Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary each contribute uniquely to the national cultural landscape, with amazing artists pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences. With websites in each city, it has been possible to learn about some awesome new artists from across our country that we feature weekly in our “A Day in the Life” series. In this post, we highlight some of the most captivating artists from our articles in each of these three cities.
Montreal: A Hub of Creativity
Montreal’s artistic landscape is rich and varied, featuring talents from a range of disciplines. The city is known for its vibrant arts festivals like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival, as well as dynamic arts communities such as the Belgo Building, a hub for contemporary art galleries.
Natasha Fagant is an actor and performance artist based in Montreal. Natasha graduated from Concordia with a BFA in theatre performance in 2013 and has been involved in a variety of projects. Natasha’s performances are known for their intensity and uniqueness, ranging from uncomfortable burlesque using medical props to honest and vulnerable short films or radio plays. Natasha is always immersed in the arts, whether she is performing on stage, directing, working as a technician, or supporting fellow artists. This dedication extends to her film and voice work, where she has voiced national campaigns.
Ravyn R. Bekh is a multidisciplinary artist in Montreal. Since graduating from the Dawson Dome in ’22, Ravyn’s enthusiasm for life and art has been channeled into her roles as an Actor, Writer, and Director. Currently based in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Ravyn has lived all over Montreal and continues to make substantial contributions to the artistic community. She is involved in a variety of projects that span different mediums and topics. You can catch her at the Centaur Theatre or across various stages in Montreal, on the radio, and possibly on streaming services if you look closely.
Günes-Hélène Isitan is a Canadian artist-researcher working in biomedia arts, blending art, biology, and philosophy. Her practice challenges the cultural divisions we impose within the continuum of life. Through visual works, interactive media and living installations, she moves beyond anthropocentric perspectives to highlight the interconnectedness and shared destinies of humans and non-human organisms. Using techniques borrowed from microbiology and molecular biology, her creations reveal hidden realities that lie beyond our five senses. They envision a multispecies humanity, where skin no longer serves as a boundary. By abandoning the idea of human exceptionalism, her work portrays humanity not as separate from nature but as deeply entangled with it.
Discover more amazing artists from Montreal by visiting the Montreal Guardian Arts section.
Vancouver: West Coast Wonders
Vancouver boasts an eclectic mix of artistic talents who draw inspiration from the stunning natural surroundings of the West Coast. The city’s creative community thrives through events like the Vancouver International Film Festival and PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, along with vibrant arts districts such as Granville Island.
Linda Suffidy is a mixed-media visual artist whose work explores the theme of timelessness. Fascinated by the glimpses of ancient history found in the present day, her pieces often incorporate elements like fossils, artifacts, and natural materials such as ginkgo leaves and ferns. Linda’s art creates a tactile, immersive experience, carrying viewers on a visual journey that feels both deliberate and meditative.
Another influential figure in Vancouver’s arts scene is Travis Lim, a dynamic teaching artist and professional dancer. From a young age, Travis has demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion. Balancing his artistic career with his studies at UCLA and participating in shows like “Canada’s Got Talent,” he exemplifies dedication and resilience. Travis now uses his profound respect for Hip Hop’s rich history to inspire and teach students, performing and creating to push the boundaries of dance. His work can frequently be seen at community events and open sessions around Vancouver’s Robson Square.
To delve deeper into the artistic minds of Vancouver, check out the Vancouver Guardian Arts section.
Calgary: Prairie Pioneers
Calgary’s arts scene is equally impressive, with artists who reflect the rugged and pioneering spirit of the prairies. Enhancing the city’s cultural vibrancy are events like the Calgary Stampede and Calgary International Film Festival, as well as thriving communities such as Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
Abstract painter Tannis Marshall is inspired by the abstract expressionism movement of the 1950s. Marshall, who resides in Killarney with her partner and three young boys, creates out of her home studio. Her work explores an intuitive approach to painting, blending and manipulating acrylic pigments with water to build beautiful layers that reflect her visual experience. After hosting her first solo art show in the fall, she continues to work on her commission schedule and is preparing a curated spring collection. Her works can be found at several locations, including Sundays Furniture Calgary showroom and The Curated Home in Inglewood.
Dominique Keller is a seasoned documentary filmmaker with over 20 years of experience. Dominique is most comfortable traveling to remote locations and immersing herself in the lives of unique individuals. Her recent work includes the NFB feature documentary “Love: The Last Chapter,” which explores connections and intimacy among residents at a Calgary Senior’s residence. Also passionate about extreme sports, Dominique worked on a new APTN documentary series, “Horse Warriors,” traveling throughout Alberta and Montana to capture the stories of top indigenous relay racers. Outside her filmmaking pursuits, Dominique enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and weight lifting around Calgary.
Calgary’s artists are dynamic and forward-thinking; learn more about them by visiting the Calgary Guardian Arts section.
By celebrating the incredible talent residing in Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary as well as right here in Toronto, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions these artists make to Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. Check out the local guardians to immerse yourself in the latest creativity from these vibrant cities.
If you are an artist, or know an artist that wants to be featured in our “A Day in the Life” artist series, please get in touch with us.
info@torontoguardina.com
info@montrealguardian.com
info@calgaryguardian.com
info@vancouverguardian.com
