*Spring 2021
Fast Forward: Speculative Institutions
ma ma | in residence at Mercer Union, a centre for contemporary art
April 12 - June 28, 2021
Mercer Union has invited Toronto-based collective ma ma for an extended term of curatorial research through public events and engagements. ma ma | in residence begins with Fast Forward: Speculative Institutions, a three-part program on speculation and imagination that will consider how institutional critique can be a catalyst for institutional change. These programs—which include guest speakers Claire Bishop and Chaédria LaBouvier—will reflect on radical practices in writing and curating that can lead to material transformation and ethical futures.
Monday 12 April 2021, 6PM
Art historian Claire Bishop will discuss her writings A Speculative Review of #NewMoMA and MoMA Tour 2064, and reflect on speculation as a way of imagining ethical institutional practices. Her talk will be followed by a discussion with the audience moderated by ma ma.
Monday 17 May 2021, 6PM
Curator, art historian, writer and organizer Chaédria LaBouvier will contribute a triptych work: a short, written introduction, clips of an unfinished film project, and a talk. All works will focus on interrogating what’s been called an art-world reckoning, and the cost and site of this foundation.
Monday 28 June 2021, 6PM
Heather Rigg and Magdalyn Asimakis (ma ma) will lead a workshop on speculative writing. This program will encourage participants to imagine the future through new forms of writing and critique. This will be a collective exercise for writers at all levels.
Admission to each online event is free; we encourage you to register in advance. Live captioning will be provided for each event.
*upcoming
A Big Heritage With A Glorious Past
Book published by Critical Distance Centre for Curators
ma ma at The Table: A Cook Book
Book published by Art Metropole
*past
A Big Heritage With A Glorious Past
Eleana Antonaki and Marina Xenofontos
Critical Distance Centre for Curators, Toronto
Feb 13-Mar 29, 2020
Opening reception: February 13, 6-9pm
ma ma in conversation with Eleana Antonaki Mar 11, 7pm
In The Air
Steffani Jemison and Julia Phillips
October 19 - November 12, 2018
Opening reception - Wed October 17, 6-9pm
Artist talk with Steffani Jemison - Sat November 3, 5pm
Slay All Day
Tanya Lukin Linklater
September 21 - October 15, 2018
Opening reception - Thurs September 20, 6-9pm
Artist talk with Tanya Lukin Linklater - Fri September 21, 6pm
Artist talk with Camille Rojas - Thurs October 4, 7pm
Gardening
Eleana Antonaki, Nomaduma Rosa Masilela, Sofia Mesa
August 24 - September 17, 2018
Opening reception - Thurs August 23, 6-9pm
Artist talk with Sofia Mesa - Thurs Sept 6, 7pm
For Paradise
Elizabeth M. Webb
July 13 - August 20, 2018
Opening reception Thursday July 12, 6-9pm
Artist talk Sunday August 19, 5pm