From February 10 to March 2, 2024, I had the honor of co-curating the exhibition Choisir et Fonder alongside Mona Greenbaum at Galerie UQO. Through the work of artist JJ Levine, this exhibition explores notions of family, identity, and representation, highlighting emotional bonds that go beyond traditional frameworks.
Photographies : Maryn Devine / House of Common studio
An Exhibition on Contemporary Families
With Choisir et Fonder, we wanted to question the notion of family beyond conventional structures. The exhibition brings together a series of photographic portraits by JJ Levine, who sensitively documents chosen and founded families—those built through affinities, commitments, and shared bonds rather than biological ties.
Levine’s works reinterpret classical portraiture codes, placing these family models within an artistic and social continuum. The carefully staged and intimate compositions invite viewers to reconsider their perception of family and its many contemporary expressions.
My Role as Co-Curator
In this project, I collaborated with Mona Greenbaum to design an immersive experience reflecting the richness and diversity of the families represented. We worked on the spatial arrangement of the works to reinforce the dialogue between the portraits and the audience, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
We also integrated testimonies and archival materials to enrich reflection on alternative family structures and their recognition in both history and art.
A Committed and Necessary Project
Far from being a simple portrait exhibition, Choisir et Fonder is a deeply committed project. It highlights realities that are still too often marginalized and contributes to the revalorization of chosen families as legitimate and essential entities within our society.
Article Photo:
𝐴𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑠 : 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑠
Avril 2024
Elle Québec
Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau
Image : JJ Levine (2020), Julie Nursing Casper
This exhibition was a significant experience in my curatorial journey. It created a space for exchange and dialogue around issues of identity and society, while highlighting the power of the image to document and affirm lived realities.