MMFA 2023: History of Women in Design

PARALL(ELLES)

A History of Women in Design

February 18 – May 28, 2023

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is presenting Parall(elles): A History of Women in Design in collaboration with the Stewart Program for Modern Design. This major exhibition celebrates the key role women played in the world of design through a rich selection of art works and objects dating from the mid-19th century onwards. Parall(elles) highlights the remarkable work and contributions of those who worked outside of mainstream industrial design that historically has been inaccessible to the majority of women, as well as those who made contributions but received little credit until recently. It also examines the reasons why women were underrepresented in the field of design throughout the history, and delves on the expanded understanding of what constitutes design.

The term “design,” as it is most commonly used today, refers more specifically to industrial design – to the mass-produced, professionally designed object – thus excluding the work of the majority of women designers throughout history. For this reason, Parall(elles) presents viewers with a wide-ranging definition of “design” that extends from artisanal craftwork to industrial design and includes ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewellery, textiles, furniture, consumer products, graphics, fashion and interior design. The exhibition aims to present viewers with an alternative reading of design history – a parallel history – that serves to impress the exceptional influence of women designers on mainstream consciousness.

Parall(elles): A History of Women in Design highlights the breadth and complexity of these works by situating them against the backdrop of social, political and personal issues that shaped their experiences across time. The exhibition traces the development of educational and professional opportunities available to women, the evolution of the status of crafts and the impact that women’s rights movements had on their practices. It also considers the intersectionality of gender, identity, race, culture and class to provide a deeper understanding of the varied roles and achievements of women.

Visit the the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts website to check on the opening hours and to purchase your ticket online.

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All Photos © Nadia Slejskova