The Fairest Order in the World is an exhibition of works by Cape Breton born, Toronto based interdisciplinary artist Sameer Farooq curated by Mona Filip. The exhibition presents a poetic and thought-provoking exploration of museums’ colonial histories through a mixed media installation that probes notions of provenance, repatriation, and repair.
In The Fairest Order in the World, Farooq arranges a series of new and recent sculptures and images to articulate unique ideas for repurposing the emptied spaces of museums devoid of their spoils. The works prompt reflection on the fraught and violent histories that have prevailed in these institutions over time and suggest what they might become through the mechanics of restitution, what they may shift to collect and document, and what kind of experiences they could nurture.
The exhibition takes its title from a text fragment of Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “The fairest order in the world is a heap of random sweepings.” Considering the idea that the most organized and just attempt at a universal order is equally as flawed or filled with balance and beauty as an arbitrary pile of refuse, Farooq’s meticulously choreographed assembly invites us to interrogate our relationship with art objects and museum displays, as well as the ordering narratives they uphold.
Organized by Dalhousie Art Gallery.
Opening Reception:
Thursday, October 24th, 5-8PM (Remarks at 6PM).
Image credit: Sameer Farooq, If it were possible to collect all navels of the world on the steps to ASCENSION, 2019. Installation view at Dalhousie Art Gallery, 2023. Photo by Steve Farmer.
