Artur Żmijewski. Scenarios of dissidence

Does contemporary art have a social impact? Is it an effective political instrument? What issues does it raise? The videos in the exhibition Artur  Żmijewski. Scenarios of Dissidence, curated by Véronique Leblanc and Louise Déry, question the viewer’s assumptions. Unabashedly controversial and political, they test the limits of ethics and morality, showing us what we would prefer to ignore. A hybrid of media art and documentary, these filmed simulations are a radical confrontation with the reality of that which is other.

By addressing issues of racism, religious ostracism, the clash of ideologies and the elements of national identity, the works of Polish artist Artur Żmijewski destabilize the viewer. The fact that the artist is recognized internationally (MoMA, Venice Biennale, Istanbul, São Paulo, etc.) indicates the power of inquiry conveyed by such works in today’s world.

The artist’s first solo exhibition in Montreal, Artur Żmijewski. Scenarios of Dissidence is a reflection on the political in art. It comprises major works produced since 2001, including a major video installation (Democracies, 2009).

A bilingual publication on the exhibition is in the works and will be released in early February 2011.

Public activities

– Screening / discussion

Date : November 5, 2010 at 5:30
Place : Cinémathèque québécoise, 335 De Maisonneuve East

Screening of the videos Repetition (2005) and Itzik (2003) in the theatre followed by a round table discussion with the curators, lead by Francis Dupuis-Déri, professor in the Political Science Department (UQAM).
Admission: regular $7 / student $6

Partners

Canada Council for the Arts; Corporation Québec – Pologne pour les arts; Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Montrel; Cinémathèque québécoise