Aunties’ Work

Aunties’ Work honours the systems of support created by matriarchs of Montreal’s Black communities through the sartorial and cultural context that surrounds them. Aunties—that is blood relatives or chosen family—have worked for generations to fortify movements of social change, nurture and sustain safe spaces, pass on critical knowledge, and share their lived experiences.

The important historical and contemporary role of Black women and queer folks in social movements is often overshadowed and underrepresented. This community-based exhibition shines light on some of these hidden histories, recognizes Aunties’ invisible yet vital work of care, and celebrates those who are rarely commemorated. Aunties are a testament to how to “show up” with an armour of pride in adornment as a form of defiance and self-actualization in the face of marginalization and oppression.

Guest curator: Nadia Bunyan

Nadia Bunyan is a fashion designer, researcher, and community organizer. She believes we must begin with education and care to see change in the fashion industry and beyond. These core values led her to cofound Growing A.R.C. a nonprofit using the prism of material culture and its fashion systems, to explore activities grounded in the farm-to-closet process.

Beginning with agriculture for textiles and natural dyes, Growing A.R.C. creates activities such as playdates for people to activate, reciprocate and cultivate  their relationships with all beings. The organization reinforces connections to the local environment by focusing on material culture and bioregional design. It also expands the understanding of biodiversity to include the diversity and perspectives of marginalized folks.

Nadia believes to raise awareness about a relational approach to sustainability knowledge and lived experiences must be shared. This is one facet of changing conversations on sustainability to a cultural practice.