The word “ecology” evokes visions of thriving ecosystems teeming with an abundant variety of species coexisting in diverse habitats. However, the term is also tainted by negative associations with an unprecedented environmental crisis that is impacting living systems. While the detrimental consequences of human activity are widespread, it is populations living symbiotically with the natural world that are the most adversely affected. In Canada, as in other countries with a history of colonization, the issue of environmental injustice is inextricably linked to the sufferings of Indigenous peoples.
Jessica Houston (born in 1970), Ideas in Things (Antarctic Peninsula) from the series “Horizon Felt South,” 2018, ink jet print, 4/5. MMFA, Purchase, Hamelys Fund
Adrian Stimson (born in 1964), Beyond Redemption, 2010, taxidermied bison, bison hides, wood, polyurethane foam, polyester resin, alkyd paint, 175 x 725 x 410 cm. MMFA, purchase, Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest and gift in memory of Adrian Stimson Sr. Photo MMFA, Denis Farley
Ecologies showcases a captivating selection of some 90 works stemming mainly from the Museum’s collection, including several new acquisitions and other rarely or never before seen works. Installations, videos, sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs by Canadian and international artists, such as Shuvinai Ashoona, Edward Burtynsky, Olafur Eliasson, Lorraine Gilbert, Isabelle Hayeur, Jessica Houston, Giuseppe Penone, Adrian Stimson and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun each present a unique interpretation of ecology.
Lorraine Gilbert (born in 1955), LeBreton Flats, Ottawa and Boreal Forest Floor, La Macaza, Quebec, from the series “Once Upon a Forest,” 2010. MMFA, anonymous gift.
Requiem for a Glacier by Paul Walde
Along with this exhibition, the MMFA is presenting the video installation Requiem for a Glacier (2013), Paul Walde’s homage performed by 50 musicians on Farnham Glacier in British Columbia. This musical performance memorializes an area threatened by global warming and a proposed resort development – a controversial project since quashed by the Qat’muk Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area agreement covering land belonging to the Ktunaxa First Nation.
Paul Walde (born in London in 1968), Requiem for a Glacier, 2013, two channel HD video, 1/5, duration: 40 min. MMFA, purchase, Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest, Ginette Trépanier Bequest, the MMFA's Employee Fund, Deirdre M. Stevenson, François R. Roy and George R. MacLaren funds.
Credits and curatorial team
An exhibition organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Curator: Iris Amizlev, Curator of Intercultural Arts, MMFA
A presentation of
Official Sponsor
With the support of
Two ways to visit the Museum
Jessica Houston (born in 1970), Ideas in Things (Antarctic Peninsula) from the series “Horizon Felt South,” 2018, ink jet print, 4/5. MMFA, Purchase, Hamelys Fund
Adrian Stimson (born in 1964), Beyond Redemption, 2010, taxidermied bison, bison hides, wood, polyurethane foam, polyester resin, alkyd paint, 175 x 725 x 410 cm. MMFA, purchase, Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest and gift in memory of Adrian Stimson Sr. Photo MMFA, Denis Farley
Lorraine Gilbert (born in 1955), LeBreton Flats, Ottawa and Boreal Forest Floor, La Macaza, Quebec, from the series “Once Upon a Forest,” 2010. MMFA, anonymous gift.
Paul Walde (born in London in 1968), Requiem for a Glacier, 2013, two channel HD video, 1/5, duration: 40 min. MMFA, purchase, Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest, Ginette Trépanier Bequest, the MMFA's Employee Fund, Deirdre M. Stevenson, François R. Roy and George R. MacLaren funds.
