Since opening in 2014, Galerie C.O.A has carved out a space in Montreal’s art scene for the unexpected, the unconventional, and the unapologetically different. The acronym stands for “Créateurs d’Œuvres Atypiques”—creators of atypical works—which captures the gallery’s ethos: championing artists who push against mainstream aesthetics and traditional norms, including those labeled as “outsiders” due to intellectual or physical disabilities. Their roster blends Canadian and international artists whose practices are as diverse as they are unclassifiable, from micro-sculptures to bold textile experiments. What unites them isn’t medium or genre, but a shared ability to rewire how we interpret images, materials, and meaning. C.O.A’s curatorial stance is playful but pointed, questioning the boundaries of what gets called art—and who gets to make it.
Mentioned in
A curated guide to best art galleries in Montreal
From artist-run spaces and apartments to institutions shaping the market, this guide maps out vital art galleries in Montreal to see contemporary and historical works.
Buy-right. Shop local. Support small business. Choose from a hand-picked selection of prints from local photographers, makers and artisans.
Want to know what’s happening in Montreal?
We curate local content into a weekly news bulletin so you can find out what’s going on around town in one place. Sign up to stay informed.