AGOinsider has transitioned to Foyer, the AGO’s new digital magazine.
Visit readfoyer.com for our latest stories about art and culture.

Presented by Signature Partner

A conversation with your collection

Celia Perrin Sidarous creates beautiful compositions with collected objects.

Assemblage en bleu (sphinx)

Does the way we display the things we love determine how we understand them?

In the above image by Montreal-based photographer Celia Perrin Sidarous (acquired at last year’s Art Toronto), we see an assortment of objects beautifully displayed – a shell, a paperweight, photos.  That the objects themselves are very different – with unique functions, colours, sizes, histories – is all to her point.  By removing objects from their usual settings and putting them into conversation – in this instance objects from the collection of the McCord Museum and others owned or made by the artist herself – Perrin Sidarous allows us to reconsider them, and see them afresh.

In this video by the McCord Museum, Perrin Sidarous discusses her interest in the inner life of objects with conservator Anne MacKay.

Sidarous’s beautiful arrangement demonstrates her knowledge of classic still life, interior design and commercial display techniques. But you don’t need a fine art degree or museum collection to create your own stunning composition. Re-arrange your own objects to see how they might live differently and then share your composition with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #AGOfromHome.

Looking for more art news from the AGO and beyond? Stay tuned to the AGOinsider.

Be the first to find out about AGO exhibitions and events, get the behind-the-scenes scoop, and book tickets before your visit.
Sign up to get AGO news right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.