Get ready for an immersive exploration into Marisol’s timeless artistic legacy – a thought-provoking experience that echoes across generations. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is currently hosting the most comprehensive survey ever devoted to this iconic figure, running from October 7, 2023, to January 21, 2024. Titled Marisol: A Retrospective, this exhibition is a testament to the profound impact of a woman whose art challenged societal norms and sparked conversations that continue to be relevant today.

The artist

Marisol (1930-2016) was a Venezuelan-American artist born in France, whose extraordinary body of work has largely remained underappreciated. This exhibition owes its existence to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, which has meticulously curated this extraordinary collection from Marisol’s personal archive. The retrospective offers a deep dive into her intricate and multifaceted practice spanning six decades, shedding light on her satirical, subversive and radical style.

Marisol retouching The Generals, 1961-1962, at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (Buffalo AKG Art Museum), November 1963 (Artwork: Buffalo AKG Art Museum, gift of Seymour H. Knox, Jr., 1962, K1962:7. © Estate of Marisol / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York). Image courtesy of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum Digital Assets Collection and Archives.

A comprehensive exploration

“A work of art is like a dream where all the characters, no matter in what disguise, are part of the dreamer”, said Marisol, encapsulating the essence of her artistic philosophy.

Indeed, many of Marisol’s creations evoke a dreamlike quality, yet every detail is purposeful and adorned with symbols that convey profound messages. The exhibition showcases over 250 works and documents, revealing the depth of her artistic evolution. One of the highlights is her life-size totemic figures, crafted from mixed media assemblages, a fusion of wood, drawing, painting and found objects.

As attendees move from room to room, they will notice that these sculptures, often satirical and always radical, address a wide range of themes, from the role of women in society to environmental issues and social justice. The exhibition also delves into Marisol’s exploration of self-portraiture, where casts of her face, mouth, hands and other body parts became integral components of the sculptures.

Influences

The retrospective is organized chronologically and thematically, capturing Marisol’s evolution as an artist. It begins with her early works from the 1950s, showcasing her emergence as a sculptor influenced by Abstract Expressionism and Pre-Columbian art. In the 1960s, Marisol’s totemic portraits associated with Pop Art solidified her status as a major artistic figure. Iconic pieces like “The Party” (1965-1966), and sculptures such as Baby Girl (1963) and Baby Boy (1962-1963), provocatively engage with Cold War anxieties and the challenges of femininity and motherhood.

Moving into the 1970s, Marisol’s art became a powerful voice against environmental precarity, social injustice, feminism and war. The exhibition also explores her involvement in designing costumes and sets for renowned dance companies, emphasizing her multifaceted talents.

A world interconnected

We had the privilege of speaking with Mary-Dailey Desmarais, the MMFA chief curator, about Marisol’s water-themed art and its significance. Particularly striking is “The Fishman” (1973), a poignant piece standing at the heart of the water-themed room. It is a large wood sculpture with the body of a human and the head of a fish that addresses “the interconnectedness of life above and below the sea”.

It is estimated that Marisol had spent a total of 8 months diving between the 1960s and mid-1970s, and went as deep as 235 feet below sea level. She would always bring a camera and document marine life, thus witnessing the significant die-off of the corals she admired so much.

Hans Namuth (1915-1990), Marisol, about 1960s. Marisol Papers, Buffalo AKG Art Museum. © 1991 Hans Namuth Estate. Courtesy of the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona.

A lasting impact

Marisol’s art continues to resonate, addressing complex issues that remain pertinent today. “Marisol: A Retrospective” is not just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of an artist whose work transcends time, inspiring us to reflect on the world around us. Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover the visionary artist, Marisol, whose creative power and societal impact are as relevant now as they were during her lifetime.

In conjunction with Marisol: A Retrospective, the MMFA is organizing a series of enriching programs, including lectures, films, creative activities for young audiences, and concerts inspired by Marisol’s universe. These events aim to further illuminate the artist’s legacy and engage audiences in meaningful discussions about her contributions to art and society.