The MMFA introduces
its exhibitions for 2022

From Nicolas Party to Jean-Michel Basquiat, the MBAM unveils five monographic exhibitions

December 14, 2021

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is pleased to announce the exhibitions that will be on view in 2022. As part of its mission to amplify the voices of artists of the past and present, the MMFA will present five monographic exhibitions devoted to major figures of the twentieth century (Diane Arbus and Jean-Michel Basquiat) as well as leading artists on the current art scene (Shary Boyle, Nicolas Party and Adam Pendleton).

… explore little-known links between Inuit visual art and music through a rich body of work by artists from the circumpolar regions.

This new program highlights strong distinctive works, while offering a critical and inclusive perspective that reflects current issues. An ambitious thematic exhibition will also explore little-known links between Inuit visual art and music through a rich body of work by artists from the circumpolar regions.

Nicolas Party (born in 1980), Portrait with Mushrooms, 2019

Nicolas Party

For his first exhibition in Canada, the MMFA has given him carte blanche to combine his works with those of its rich encyclopedic collection.

Designed entirely by the Swiss artist, the exhibition Nicolas Party: L’heure mauve, opening in February, will present a poetic meditation on the representation of nature in art in the Museum’s oldest galleries.

Adam Pendleton

Adam Pendleton, Untitled (WE ARE NOT)

In another Canadian premiere, the MMFA will present the work of New York-based artist Adam Pendleton as of March with the exhibition Adam Pendleton: These Things We’ve Done Together. Four new monumental paintings from his iconic series Untitled (WE ARE NOT) will be exhibited in conjunction with seven drawings from the defining Black Dada series and a moving video portrait of dancer, choreographer and avant-garde filmmaker Yvonne Rainer.

Shary Boyle

Shary Boyle, Baptiste Kills His Father, 2018

Canadian artist Shary Boyle is known for her porcelain figurine sculptures from her often strange and disturbing world.

In Shary Boyle: Outside the Palace of Me, a multi-sensory project opening in late August, the visual artist explores the creative nature of identity and personality in an age where social media has become a stage for self-presentation.

Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus, Teenage couple on Hudson Street, N.Y.C., 1963

Over a period of fifteen years, artist Diane Arbus produced one of the most captivating bodies of photographs of the last century.

Opening in September, Diane Arbus: Photographs, 1956-1971, will feature gelatin silver prints by the artist.

From her intimate explorations of the streets of New York to her large-format portraits, some ninety images will bear witness to the singular revolutionary vision of the celebrated photographer.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Starting in October, the multimedia exhibition Music and the Art of Jean-Michel Basquiat will offer an innovative in-depth exploration of the artistic and musical career of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kokosolo, 1983

Featuring paintings, drawings, sound clips, films and numerous archival documents, the exhibition will immerse visitors in the New York of the 1970s and 1980s where Basquiat lived as an artist, music lover and musician. It will explore his connection to the music business and the musical inspirations, from jazz to hip hop, that shaped his work.

Inuit Art, Dance and Song

As of November, Music Born of the Cold: Inuit Art, Dance and Song will address a hitherto little explored theme: the place of music in Inuit visual art.

Kenojuak Ashevak, Guardians of Katajjaniq, 1992

Combining anthropology and Indigenous art history, this exhibition will offer a studied panorama of contemporary and traditional works from the circumpolar regions, featuring sculptures, prints, drawings and installations that illustrate Inuit musical expression in all its forms.

Throughout the coming year, numerous talks, artistic performances and educational activities for all audiences will round out the program. mbam.qc.ca

Image: Courtesy of MMFA

Read also: A summer teeming with activities at the MMFA