GRAHAM FAGEN

The curator Louise Déry is presenting the Scottish artist Graham Fagen’s first solo exhibition in Canada by proposing a video and music-based installation that is emblematic of his research: "The Slave’s Lament". The Glasgow artist, who very successfully represented Scotland at the 2015 Venice Biennale, is interested in the slave trade, the inhuman treatment of the deported populations and the Scottish involvement in Jamaica. The title of the work refers to a lyrical poem published in 1792 and which is attributed to the Scottish national poet Robert Burns, who conveyed his abolitionist thoughts within it. Performed by the well-known reggae singer Ghetto Priest and the Scottish Ensemble string quartet, "The Slave’s Lament" raises national and identity questions and thereby engages in a critique of cultural and social heritage. Several drawings and photographs have been added to this major work in order to allow for a more encompassing extrapolation of the motifs opposing national identity and cultural identity.

Opening: Thursday, February 23, 5:30 pm.

"AfroScots"
Screening programme
Curators: Mother Tongue (Glasgow)

Saturday, February 25, 2017, 2 pm
Galerie de l’UQAM

Artists: Alberta Whittle, Irineu Destourelles, Rayanne Bushell, Tako Taal and other artists to be confirmed.