Free and open to all

Discussion - in French

Venue: articule

 

A discussion on how to reconstruct one's own stories when they are linked to marginalized identities in the context of a predominantly white country. The concept of representation seems a superfluous tool, a smokescreen that diverts conversations around systemic oppression and renders them superficial. It is not enough to show a body that can be visually located at the margin or which adheres to a new "aesthetic of diversity”. Far from the white gaze what is happening? Who are we talking to and why? How is one constructed when one places oneself as the narrator of one's own stories, and what affects does this have on oneself and on others?

Awa Banmana is an Afro-queer artist and researcher. Their artistic work focuses mainly on the representation and revaluation of racialized queer people in history and their contributions to the contemporary world. Awa is also completing their Master's degree in Communications at Université de Montréal, focussing their research on the creative process of Afro-descendant artists as a tool for emancipation and self-definition. https://awabanmana.com

Kamissa Ma Koïta is a trans-activist and an Afro-descendant of Malian origin. Born in Quebec City, he grew up in Montreal. From a queer and decolonial perspective, he questions the vectors of social domination, focusing more particularly on the condition of subaltern groups. His performative work has been presented at Skol (2017), La Centrale (2017), Dare-Dare (2018), the UQAM Gallery (2018), Centre Never Apart (2019) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2018). https://kamissamakoita.tumblr.com

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Montreal Monochrome is an annual conference organized by the Fabulous Committee (anti-oppression) at articule. It aims to address the mis- and under-representation and systemic oppression of marginalized groups in Montréal’s contemporary art milieu. The event works toward imagining and nurturing new and existing bonds, solidarities and friendships between Indigenous artists, thinkers and cultural workers and their racialized allies. 

 

This 7th edition seeks to explore the emotional, physical, mental and socio-political ramifications of what it means to shift focus and/or (re)gain control. How might we understand shifting focus, on which scale, and in which ways? Through which mediums and interventions? What is it to (re)gain control of one’s narrative, body and/or psychic space? Which new realities can be created or remade? See the full programming here.