“Like everything alive that we try to hold forever”
On view from Thursday, Jan. 29, through Saturday, June 27, at the Museum of Fine Arts
Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) will debut a new exhibition this month that explores the deep and often complicated relationship between human beings and the non-human objects that shape our lives.
“Like everything alive that we try to hold forever” will be on view from Thursday, Jan. 29, through Saturday, June 27, at the Museum of Fine Arts, a part of the College of Fine Arts, with an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29.
“This exhibit is an incredibly thought-provoking show, bringing work from internationally-renowned artists to the Tallahassee community — we hope you won’t miss the chance to enjoy it while it’s here,” said Kaylee Spencer, director of the museum.
The exhibition is curated by Esker Foundation’s Elizabeth Diggon, Naomi Potter, and Shauna Thompson and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI) in partnership with Esker Foundation (Calgary, Canada). It presents the work of seven artists whose work examines the relationship between human bodies and non-human objects.
The exhibition features artwork in photography, sculpture and video that explores a range of issues central to the human experience.
Artists include Larry Achiampong & David Blandy, England, United Kingdom; Diane Borsato, Guelph, Canada; Stephanie Dinkins, Brooklyn, New York; Bridget Moser, Toronto, Canada; Sondra Perry, Perth Amboy, New Jersey; and Miya Turnbull, Halifax, Canada.
Curatorial Statement:
These relationships are complex and interconnected, showing us how the systematic collection, consumption and contextualization of objects impacts our understanding of self and others. By drawing parallels between the legacy of archaeology, colonialism, the potential of artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the ever-blurring line between the self and the other, this exhibit seeks to thread the complex reality of the human experience. Some artists conduct their exploration from an internal perspective, studying issues of identity, likeness and self-authorship. Others reckon with the role of imposed knowledge systems in defining what is (and isn’t) human, addressing the biases and harms that are often entrenched within systems and collections under the guise of neutrality.
Alongside the exhibition, the Museum of Fine Arts will host a series of events and activities throughout its run.
Admission to the museum and these events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit mofa.fsu.edu.
“Like everything alive that we try to hold forever” is organized by Esker Foundation and produced as a traveling exhibition by Independent Curators International (ICI). Funding for the exhibition tour has been provided by the generous support from ICI’s International Forum and the ICI Board of Trustees.
About ICI:
Independent Curators International supports the work of curators to help create stronger art communities through experimentation, collaboration and international engagement. Curators are arts community leaders and organizers who champion artistic practice, build essential infrastructures and institutions, and generate public engagement with art. Our collaborative programs connect curators across generations and across social, political and cultural borders. They form an international framework for sharing knowledge and resources — promoting cultural exchange, access to art, and public awareness for the curator’s role.
ICI’s flagship professional development program for curators, The Curatorial Intensive, supports emerging curators by bringing them together to gain new skills and perspectives on curating in partnership with advanced-career faculty. Since 2010, the program has taken place in more than 25 cities around the world and served 500 curators from 70 countries, who form an unparalleled, dynamic alumni network.
curatorsintl.org | @curatorsintl
About Esker Foundation:
Founded in May 2012, non-profit contemporary art gallery Esker Foundation, located in Calgary, Canada, owes its vision to its founders, collectors & philanthropists, Jim and Susan Hill. Their aim was to create an accessible and welcoming space for visitors to experience contemporary art exhibitions and public programming. An important part of this vision is to ensure that barriers to access are as low as possible. To that end, Esker is proud to offer free admission and free engaging public programs.
Through exhibitions, public programs, publishing, and commissioning activities, the Foundation supports artists and audiences through a variety of learning, connecting, and collaborative models. The gallery reflects current developments in local, regional, and international culture; creates opportunities for public dialogue; and supports the production of groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research.