Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606-1669), Head of Rembrandt with a Soft Cap, or Rembrandt with Three Moustaches, about 1634. MMFA, gift of Freda and Irwin Browns. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is opening a window into its collecting practices with the exhibition Two by Two, Together, which brings together a rich selection of works from all over the world that have been acquired over the past five years. Most of them are being shown to the public for the first time and will be grouped together in such a way as to create a dialogue between them, while showcasing the Museum's many collecting areas.
The MMFA's permanent collection is one of the oldest in Canada and consists of close to 47,000 art works and objects from five continents, dating from the Neolithic era to the present day. This collection grows each year through donations, purchases and bequests.
Two by Two, Together unveils some 80 diverse works that shine a spotlight on works made in a wide range of artistic disciplines by artists from Quebec, Canada, and around the world. Visitors can admire important paintings by Peter Doig, Pierre Dorion, Wanda Koop, Stephane La Rue, Robert Clow Todd, Claude Tousignant, Robin F. Williams and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun; sculptures by Louise Bourgeois, Stanley Fevrier, Giuseppe Penone and Kishio Suga; graphic works by Tony Lewis, Nicolas Party and Rembrandt; photographs by Herbert List and Robert Mapplethorpe; and an early Chinese cosmic board (Liuren Shipan) from the Sui Dynasty.
François Perrier (1594-1649), The Forge of Vulcan, about 1640-1642. MMFA, purchase, Harold Lawson, Marjorie Caverhill, Harry W. Thorpe and Mona Prentice Bequests. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière
"In continuously developing the collection, the MMFA is committed to presenting works by artists who have long been marginalized and underrepresented. We aim to offer our audiences an increasingly inclusive experience, through the diversity and richness of acquisitions from every corner of the globe and spanning thousands of years of history," says Stephane Aquin, Director of the MMFA.
"Most of the works in Two by Two, Together are grouped together, such as to create a dialogue between them based on their subject, medium, form, function or period. Through these juxtapositions, we hope to provoke new and enlightening interpretations of the Museum's collection," adds Iris Amizlev, Curator of Special Projects at the MMFA and curator of the exhibition.
Aside from the creations shown in the exhibition, other recently acquired artworks can be found in the Museum's permanent collection galleries, identified by special labels. In addition, a new rotation of works in the galleries adjacent to Two by Two, Together highlight new contemporary acquisitions by such artists as Esmaa Mohamoud, Christina Quarles and Kareem-Anthony Ferreira.
Robert Clow Todd (about 1809-1866), Corbeau at Montmorency Falls, 1845. MMFA, purchase, Donald Luc Boisvert and Gaston Lamontagne Fund. Photo MMFA, Julie Ciot
The acquisition process
Every potential acquisition is subject to the same rigorous process in order to evaluate whether it is a pertinent addition to the MMFA's collection.
The curatorial team conducts extensive research to determine if the object will enhance the MMFA's collections, either by adding depth to or diversifying it, or by introducing new perspectives.
Works are also evaluated by the Conservation department to assess their condition. Factors such as instability, damage or inadequate restoration attempts might influence acquisition decisions.
lf the results of these investigations support an artwork's inclusion in the Museum's collection, curators present their acquisition recommendation to internal and external acquisition committees. Each of the tour acquisition committees includes at least one member of the MMFA's Board of Trustees as well as external advisors. If committee members agree with the recommendation, and this recommendation is approved by the Board of Trustees, the acquisition can proceed. The work is then catalogued, photographed and restored, as necessary.
Carina Shoshtary (born in 1979), Nepenthes brooch, from the series “Hunter Project,” 2021, MMFA, gift of Noel Guyomarc’h and Stéphane Blackburn. Photo Annie Fafard
ABOUT THE MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Founded in1860, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) has been built on the generosity of multiple generations of Montrealers. Its mission is to acquire, conserve, study, interpret and present significant works of art from around the world and from every era, in the hope that members of its community and all Museum visitors may benefit from the transformative powers of art.
The MMFA's collection showcases Quebec and Canadian heritage, Indigenous art and international art from a progressive and innovative perspective. lt comprises close to 47,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects dating from antiquity to the present. The MMFA's exhibitions and cultural programming aim to inspire new ways of looking at art and the history of art.
As a hub of art, community and exchange and a pioneer in the provision of art therapy, the Museum collaborates with partners in the fields of community organization, education, health and technology to offer all audiences an enriching and transformative experience of art. Thus, through each of its projects, the MMFA continues to strive towards a mare inclusive, accessible and just world.
Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989), Double Jack-in-the-pulpit, 1988, MMFA, gift of Nathalie Simard and Pierre Raymond. © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, Courtesy Art + Commerce. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière