Sonia Boyce: FEELING HER WAY
The PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art is pleased to present the North American premiere of FEELING HER WAY by Sonia Boyce DBE RA.
FEELING HER WAY (2022) is an immersive installation consisting of bespoke wallpaper, posters, photography, sculpture, video, and sound, which was awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 59th International Venice Biennale in 2022
Single and multi-channel videos, photo portraits, and posters punctuate our visitor journey through an environment adorned in exuberantly coloured geometric-patterned wallpaper, one created for each woman. Another key component encountered throughout, are dazzling sculptural elements made to resemble pyrite, a crystalline mineral also referred to as “fool’s gold.” One entire room is inspired by Sonia’s collaborative project Devotional Collection (1999-2022), which consists of an ever-growing archive that pays homage to Black British female musicians and singers, as well as the fans, to whom their work means so much. In this space is a custom gold wallpaper design, and a display of sculptures that consist of items in their original packaging combined with crystalline “fool’s gold” forms. Our faces are mirrored in the reflective surfaces of the sculptures and wallpaper and bring us into the work as members of the listening public.
Trust, agency, and generosity are at the heart of FEELING HER WAY, demonstrating what can happen when these crucial values are established between the artist and her collaborators. The work becomes a giant, multi-sensorial instrument of connection, kinship, and freedom, while also allowing each woman’s unique identity to breathe and resonate. Through a willingness to take risks, what might we learn about ourselves? Might we find our own voices? Could we contribute that voice to a larger chorus? In doing so, might we find freedom?
May 3–September 8, 2024
PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art
451 & 465 Saint-Jean Street
Montréal Quebec H2Y 2R5
Canada
