Artist and architectural designer Adrian Blackwell’s two-part installation is part of the inaugural Toronto Biennial of Art. 

The ancient Greek term isonomia implies political equality. Blackwell’s two site-responsive, non-hierarchical structures at the Biennial function as gathering places for weekly programs, and spaces for contemplating isonomia in the face of colonial governance structures that have overtaken Indigenous ones.

At 259 Lake Shore Boulevard East (the biennial’s main exhibition space), Isonomia in Toronto? (harbour) is modelled after Toronto’s changing shoreline, illustrating the effects of encroaching privatization on the land. 

At the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga, a 300 foot-long cushion-like structure with infinite configurations allows visitors to sit in curves, folds and knots. An image of the shoreline of Etobicoke Creek—also known as wadoopikaang (the place where the alders grow) in Anishinaabemowin—stretches along its length, connecting land- and human- based pedagogies. 

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is pleased to have invited Caroline Monnet to create Mooniyang, her first solo architectural projection in the Quartier des Spectacles. The animated work will be presented in collaboration with the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma (FNC) on UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy, from October 9 to November 24, 2019. Mooniyang is part of FNC Explore, the festival’s new media section, which includes more than 30 world-class works, all on display for free.

Mooniyang (Montreal in the Anishinaabemowin language) is a conceptual exploration of the marks left on the Montreal landscape over the years. Using geometric shapes inspired by traditional Anishinaabe patterns, the territory is divided, reassembled and fragmented in a dynamic series of motions. The ages-old patterns are related to long-suppressed Indigenous knowledge. They represent unknown lands, invisible boundaries and transitional spaces.

This animated work is a continuation of Caroline Monnet’s recent work, in which she explores complex issues of identity, culture and territory.

“I am extremely grateful to the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for offering me the opportunity to present Mooniyang in the heart of Montreal, outdoors and accessible to all. I hope this new work will inspire people to live together in a spirit of mutual respect,” said Caroline Monnet.