Stanley Février. Photo Jean-Guy Turgeon
Stanley Février. Photo Jean-Guy Turgeon
Stanley Février
Montreal-based artist Stanley Février is engaged in a critical examination of the art world and its institutions, and probes the social, cultural and power dynamics that have contributed to the underrepresentation of “invisibilized” artists.
A tool for social transformation
The Museum of the Art of Today / Department of the Invisible (in French, le Musée d’art actuel / Département des invisibles, MAADI) is a conceptual and performative artwork that was conceived in response to this omission, to rectify these inequalities. For several years, Février has been acquiring artworks by artists from different cultural backgrounds and carrying out a series of infiltrating performances in museums. As a living artwork, MAADI has evolved to include a plurality of marginalized voices. According to Février, the aim of his nomadic museum is to “improve the balance of power in art institutions, in order to democratize the way they are governed and decolonize art historical narratives.”
Anahita Norouzi, Displaced Garden, from the series “Other Landscapes,” 2019-2020. Photo Spencer Schutte
Maria Ezcurra, Manditel / Tablecloth-apron, from the series “Guardarropa del ama de casa perfecta” (The Perfect Housewife’s Wardrobe), 2008. Photo Gerardo Montiel Klint
CODE BLANC: My-Van Dam, Stanley Février, Maryam Izadifard, Looking Forward, 2021. Photos Jean-Guy Turgeon
MAADI at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The MMFA recognizes the importance of showcasing the contributions of diverse artistic practices in shaping the art world, as well as Quebec and Canadian society, and is pleased to participate in this project. From June 15 to August 28, 2022, it will present a selection of this collection, including installations, sculptures, photographs, paintings and videos.
Stanley Février will be on site occasionally, performing his role of Director and Chief Curator of MAADI. By employing these works as the mediums for his multidisciplinary, performance-based work, Février celebrates the practice of the various featured artists.
A varied cultural program will be offered as a complement to the exhibition, and will include lectures, films and performances. In addition, on Thursdays and Sundays, from 2 to 4 p.m., Museum Gallery Guides will be present in the installation, participating in its performative aspect by interacting with visitors in playful and spontaneous ways.
Credits and curatorial team
Stanley Février: Museum of the Art of Today / Department of the Invisible is a performative installation presented by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It is curated by Laura Delfino, guest curator, and Iris Amizlev, Curator – Community Engagement and Projects, MMFA, in collaboration with Stanley Février, Director and Chief Curator of MAADI.
Presented by
Official Sponsor
With support from
Media Partner
Public Partners
Anahita Norouzi, Displaced Garden, from the series “Other Landscapes,” 2019-2020. Photo Spencer Schutte
Maria Ezcurra, Manditel / Tablecloth-apron, from the series “Guardarropa del ama de casa perfecta” (The Perfect Housewife’s Wardrobe), 2008. Photo Gerardo Montiel Klint
CODE BLANC: My-Van Dam, Stanley Février, Maryam Izadifard, Looking Forward, 2021. Photos Jean-Guy Turgeon
