Gig poster revival on display at Galérie Yves Laroche

For the third year in a row, the Galérie Yves Laroche in Montreal is showing a collection of gig posters, an art that has become increasingly refined in the age of social media. 

While the internet has replaced the traditional papering of flyers on telephone poles and construction hoardings, the art market for gig posters has grown.

Like graffiti and mural art, gig posters are coming off the street and into the galleries as music and design fans connect with their icons and value the craft of the hand-printed silk screened works.

"Musique et papier" features bands that have performed at Osheaga to mark the 10th anniversary of the festival.

The exhibition is curated by one of Montreal's best gig poster artist, Pat Hamou.

"There's a huge collectible market now for fans who want to take something home," Hamou said.

"These are limited editions, signed and numbered after that they won't exist any more. You know you were there. Fifteen years from now, if you're nostalgic you'll be glad you have it."

Three of Hamou's own posters are in the show along with others by artists like Jason Munn,Todd Slater and Nashville's Hammerpress.

Hamou says there's a friendly competition among the artists working in this field.

"It's a bit of a see if I can step up on this guy," he said. 

"You're almost challenged by the level of work you say oh see if I can do something better."

The "Musique et papier" exhibition, located at 6355 St-Laurent Boulevard, closes on Saturday.

It will pop up again under a tent at this year's Osheaga Festival.

Seven new posters are being created for that show.  The Osheaga Music and arts Festival runs from July 31 to Aug. 2.

 Galérie Yves Laroche also has an exhibition of rock concert photos by Montreal photographer Susan Moss.