About this exhibition
For Mons 2015 – European Capital of Culture, WIELS will present a group of works by artists interested in the phenomena of circulation, diaspora and cultural dislocation, and opposed to the homogenisation of globalisation. The title alludes to the ideas of Edouard Glissant, a writer and influential thinker of hybridity and globalisation, who argues in favour of fluid identities, unhindered exchanges and an ideal cosmopolitan openness, which he calls the 'Relation'.
As Mons and the Borinage were once an epicentre of work-related migration – a cultural and social carrier of Modernity – the exhibition explores the plural identities shaped since the early days of industrialisation in the 19th century, transcending national, geographical and identity borders, while following the routes towards a 'better life'.
The venue and its history are also determining. The architectural complex that in the past housed a Civil Guard barrack and a convent-school, a 'micro-city' and ideal community, which will become a start-up incubator. Free exchange of information and data, will replace the utopian ideals of the past, after this community of artists invested it with their vision.
WITH: Saâdane Afif, Nevin Aladag, Francis Alÿs, El Anatsui, Danai Anesiadou, Yto Barrada, Walead Beshty, Huma Bhabha, Vincen Beeckman, Vlassis Caniaris, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Meschac Gaba, Jef Geys, Thomas Hirschhorn, Kapwani Kiwanga, David Medalla, Vincent Meessen, Adrian Melis, Benoit Platéus, Walter Swennen, Diego Tonus, Lawrence Weiner and Jack Whitten.
A co-production between the Foundation Mons 2015, le Pôle muséal de la Ville de Mons and WIELS.
Curator: Dirk Snauwaert
Co-curator: Charlotte Friling
Address
Manège de Sury
Rue des Droits de l’Homme 1
7000 Mons
More Info www.mons2015.eu
THIS EXHIBITION DOES NOT TAKE PLACE AT WIELS!