Sam Borenstein and the Colors of Montreal April 8, 2011

Bold colors, dynamic brushwork and ecstatic energy characterize the paintings of Sam Borenstein (1908-1969). Born in Eastern Europe, he immigrated in 1921 to Montreal, which became home to a remarkably vibrant community of Jewish artists and writers. During a 40-year career, Borenstein painted richly colored portraits and vibrant scenes of the city's streets and the Laurentian landscape. His intensely hued and emotionally charged views of the city and its surrounding countryside earned Borenstein the title of Canada's only "authentic Expressionist" of the mid-20th century. This exhibition, the first monographic show devoted to the artist outside of Canada, presents over 30 of his works from the 1930 to 1960s.