Marie-Claude Marquis

Marie-Claude Marquis's work blends a nostalgic aesthetic with contemporary themes, particularly through her use of vintage porcelain plates. Once symbols of status in wealthy households, these plates found their way into the homes of the 'petty bourgeois' during industrialization. Often decorated with sayings, they symbolized a sense of homeliness and tradition. In contrast, Marquis' plates feature provocative and clever statements drawn from her personal notebook, reflecting pop culture, feminism, and her own experiences. This juxtaposition between the bold messages and the delicate, ornamental nature of the plates creates a deliberate dissonance that makes us smile and reflect. This interweaving of visual and contextual paradoxes is also present in her other works, such as her embroideries and spatial installations. The artist aims to create a connection to us viewers with her works: ‘If one piece is the little push, they needed that day or is what made them laugh, I consider my objective archived.’

Based in Montreal, Marie-Claude Marquis studied art and media at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and has exhibited internationally in renowned galleries and art fairs across New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. Her work has been featured in major publications such as Vogue (Portugal) and Frankie Magazine (Australia), and it is part of notable collections, including the Musée Pointe-à-Callière in Montreal. Additionally, her work has been auctioned at Sotheby's, highlighting her recognition in the international art market.

The Affenfaust Galerie has now succeeded in honoring Marie-Claude Marquis for the first time in Germany with a solo exhibition titled ‘SWEET FUCK ALL’.