At the cusp of September, I eagerly await all the leaves looking spicy and textured, and Montreal looking like it’s blushing.

During the summer, I typically gravitate towards cool tones (in style and art-preference alike), to offset the heat I wish I knew how to handle more elegantly. Elegance is one thing I practised here, working at L’Affichiste, while trying to keep up with Karen and Lilian, who were overly kind and helpful from the very start.

I wonder sometimes what possessed me to interview for this job wearing what was essentially a Hawaiian shirt under a sweater, but Karen and Lilian saw some promise in me nonetheless. Since May, they have guided me to be the best gallerista I could be, and taught me that this journey of progress is an ongoing one.

This was a job I found so engaging, socially and mentally, trying to match customers with the posters of their dreams. I ended up matchmaking myself at certain points – an inevitability, with so many stunning pieces.

I thought I’d list a few of my favourites ; my selection actually intrigued me because it deviated from my initial expectations of preferring very minimalist art. I’m not sure exactly what that means in terms of what I learnt here, but I’ll say that working at L’Affichiste has opened my mind to new patterns and colours, both literally and metaphorically.

The landmark poster was Mads Berg’s Prosecco – a fan favourite that drew people in, cooing at the glamorous boat lady in the shawl. I practised describing her what felt like a hundred times a day, she was so popular. But who is she? I still wonder. My fondness for her starts with the beautiful combination of that crisp blue and a juicy, burnt orange. I wouldn’t have ever put those two colours together until that poster, and now I am a happy convert. My love of orange continues with the Dutch Art Nouveau poster “Instituut Overtoom”. Its magical, smooth graphics in the mushroom/light orange/faded black colour scheme completely enchants me.

See more stunning Mads Berg posters here, and grab the magnificent Instituut Overtoom while you still can!

I cannot fully describe my experience here without mentioning my introduction to Botero, and his irresistible voluptuous figures. A mix of parody, humour, and political commentary in fantastic and funny oversized characters ? Divine!

“Watercolours and Drawings” is a gorgeous black and white poster that is nothing short of darling. Find the charming Botero here!

My main return to minimalism happened with a theatre poster, for the play “Little Eyolf” by Henrik Ibsen. I love the red on this poster, I love the quiet but strong drama of the profile. The plot of the play was the cherry on top – I’m a sucker for intensity.

L’Affichiste has been an absolute blast – a new life experience I’ll cherish forever. I encountered so many beautiful and interesting people, including Karen and Lilian as well as my fellow coworkers. I thank everyone, customers and the L’Affichiste team alike, for allowing for me to have such a lovely time here. And I hope you’ll see me around sometime in the future!

Until then,

Danijela