Jana Sterbak Exhibitions at Musée des Hospitalières and Esker Foundation Highlight Her Provocative Art
Jana Sterbak, a Czech-born artist based in Montreal, is featured in two recent exhibitions: 'Corpus Insolite' at the Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal from January 26 to August 24, curated by Johanne Sloan, and 'Dimensions of Intimacy' at the Esker Foundation in Calgary from September 20 to December 21, curated by Naomi Potter. These shows present her iconic works, including 'Vanitas: Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic' (1987) made from flank steak, and explore themes of the body, belief, and materiality. Sterbak, known for her controversial pieces and expressionist approach, gained prominence with a 1991 survey at the National Gallery of Canada and represented Canada at the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003. The exhibitions offer a renewed look at her career, addressing issues of conservation and her impact on contemporary art.
Key facts
- Jana Sterbak is a Czech-born, Montreal-based artist known for provocative works involving materials like meat and chocolate.
- Two exhibitions in 2024 feature her art: 'Corpus Insolite' at Musée des Hospitalières in Montreal and 'Dimensions of Intimacy' at Esker Foundation in Calgary.
- Sterbak's notable piece 'Vanitas: Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic' (1987) sparked media attention and was included in her 1991 National Gallery of Canada survey.
- She represented Canada at the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003, but her work has been less visible in person in recent decades.
- The exhibitions highlight themes of bodily autonomy, existentialism, and material sensitivity, with curators emphasizing her enduring relevance.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
- Esker Foundation
- National Gallery of Canada
- New Museum
- Mercer Union
- Art Gallery of Ontario
Locations
- Montreal
- Calgary
- Canada
- Venice
- New York
- Paris
Sources
- Momus —