Artist Theaster Gates to Craft Monumental Black Beauty Ode at Obama Center
The Obama Presidential Center is set to open in the spring on Chicago’s South Side. This nearly 20-acre complex will feature large-scale artworks by some of America’s most significant artists. Among the latest installations is a monumental work by artist Theaster Gates, which will serve as an ode to Black life, particularly honoring Black women.
The Monumental Tribute by Theaster Gates
Gates’ installation will incorporate images from the expansive archives of Ebony and Jet magazines. This two-part frieze, made from aluminum alloy, will be displayed inside the center’s Forum Building. The building’s atrium, named after Hadiya Pendleton, will host public events. Pendleton was a teenage majorette who participated in President Obama’s second inauguration and tragically lost her life to gun violence shortly after.
Heritage and Artistic Ambition
Gates has been a custodian of the Johnson Publishing Company’s archives, which were pivotal for Black representation in media. These publications began as essential sources of news and culture for Black Americans after World War II. Gates has emphasized that the images selected for the Center reflect not just history, but the essence of Black life. He aims to bridge past and present through art.
Influence of Community and Culture
Virginia Shore, the center’s art curator, noted that Gates’ work showcases the power of Black modernity in Chicago. The artists involved in the center’s commissioning process have gained attention, including Nick Cave, Jenny Holzer, and Kiki Smith. Each artist aims to contribute unique perspectives that celebrate the tapestry of American history.
- Nick Cave: Collaborative multimedia installation integrating textile and sound, highlighting Black and Indigenous traditions.
- Jenny Holzer: Tribute to Civil Rights-era Freedom Riders in the museum’s skyroom, utilizing textual elements from FBI records.
- Nekisha Durrett: Hand-painted ceramic tiles in the Harriet Tubman courtyard, reimagining iconic abolitionist imagery.
- Aliza Nisenbaum: Mural in the library’s reading room focused on storytelling and shared histories.
Art as a Connector
Louise Bernard, director of the Obama Presidential Center, highlighted the importance of art in connecting communities and sparking dialogue. Art serves as a conduit for innovative thinking and engagement. The center aims to embody this vision, activating the entire site through artistic contributions.
Encouraging Future Generations
Gates sees this opportunity as a chance to further his work as a steward of cultural collections. He believes in the importance of keeping historical truths alive amid contemporary challenges. His diverse collections include materials from institutions and individuals focused on preserving Black culture.
Gates’ commitment reflects a broader narrative of American progress, emphasizing the contributions of Black and brown communities. He aims to inspire visitors to see themselves as agents of change through their engagement with art and history at the Obama Presidential Center.
