ExhibitionJune 29–September 27, 2016
Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens: Measures of Inequity
Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens’ exhibition Measures of Inequity will feature a series of sculptures that give material form to the abstract diagrams used to map the unequal distribution of wealth. Ibghy & Lemmens are interested in forms of thought–ways of reasoning, systems of classification and the measurement of socioeconomic status–and how these forms create, adopt and reproduce knowledge.
Inequality is one of today’s most controversial and widely discussed issues, especially during this election year in the United States. The starting point for these new works are economic diagrams and graphs mostly from the last thirty years that the artists have culled from academic journals. These sculptures vividly render the ways that neoliberal economic policies during this time have reinforced uneven access to employment, education, health services as well as other resources.
The exhibition includes more than twenty geometric sculptures built from everyday materials including string, wooden sticks and colored plastic; their handwritten titles reflect the data they are based on such as Income Inequality in the United States 1910-2010; Class, Cultural Capital and Social Reproduction and Disparities in Access to Care for Selected Groups. Melding historical information with future speculation, the exhibition breaks down complex data into intuitively readable objects, challenging the way that information is constructed.
Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens’ work has been shown at the 14th Istanbul Biennial SALTWATER: A Theory of Thought Forms, 2015; La Biennale de Montréal, L’avenir (looking forward), 2014; 27th Images Festival, Toronto, 2014; Manif d’art 7: Quebec City Biennial, 2014; La Filature, Scène Nationale, Mulhouse, France, 2013-14; Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Norway, 2013; Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow, 2012; and the 10th Sharjah Biennial, 2011. Their recent solo exhibitions were held at Leonard & Bina Ellen Gallery, Montreal, 2016; VOX, Montreal, 2014; Trinity Square Video, Toronto, 2014; La Bande Video, Quebec City, 2014; Forrest City Gallery, London, Ontario, 2013; Monte Vista Projects, Los Angeles, 2012; and G Gallery, Toronto, 2012.
This exhibition is curated by Kari Conte, Director of Programs and Exhibitions.
Public Programs
September 27, 6:30—8pm: Closing reception and exhibition walkthrough with artists Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens and curator Kari Conte.