In a sprawling retrospective, artist Joyce Wieland’s true patriot love suddenly feels like prophecy

Powerful art has the ability to transcend time and speak to contemporary issues with eerie accuracy. The recent retrospective exhibition, Heart On, at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, pays homage to the late Canadian artist Joyce Wieland while also serving as a prophetic oracle of current events. Wieland’s works, spanning four decades, touch on themes such as feminism, environmentalism, nationalism, Arctic sovereignty, American imperialism, and more, all with a frightening clarity that resonates with today’s headlines.

One striking piece in the exhibition features stuffed plastic letters spelling out Pierre Trudeau’s poetic quote, “Man has reached out and touched the tranquil moon,” prompting visitors to reflect on the current race to colonize Mars. Another piece from 1973, adorned with lipstick prints, boldly declares, “The Arctic belongs to itself,” echoing the calls for “Land Back” that are heard today. Wieland’s works from 1969, featuring chain-linked quilts that read “I Love Canada” and “J’aime Canada,” take on new significance in light of current threats to Canadian sovereignty.

The exhibition also delves into Wieland’s personal life and artistic journey, highlighting her time in New York, where she developed her experimental film practice, and her return to Canada in the early 1970s. Her work, which often challenged traditional notions of art and femininity, earned her recognition, including being named to the Order of Canada in 1982. Wieland’s fearless approach to materials and disregard for artistic hierarchies paved the way for future generations of artists.

In today’s world, where patriotism and national identity are hotly debated topics, Wieland’s work serves as a poignant reminder to confront our complicated past and consider the implications of our actions. Heart On invites viewers to engage in critical reflection and deep thought, while also appreciating the beauty and subversiveness of Wieland’s art.

As the exhibition travels to the Art Gallery of Ontario in June, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of art in shaping our understanding of the world. Wieland’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts, urging us to look closely, think deeply, and work towards a better future.