Discovering the Art and Vision of Theaster Gates
Before ascending to international acclaim, Theaster Gates was a dedicated custodian of forgotten items, collecting artifacts that tell stories of resilience and culture. In the mid-2000s, while serving as an arts administrator at the University of Chicago, Gates began purchasing dilapidated buildings on the South Side, transforming them into creative spaces for artists or repositories for his extensive collection of books, records, and photographic slides. "I was not anticipating that it would be a big part of my art practice," he recalls, highlighting his humble beginnings as a young enthusiast who didn’t foresee the significant impact his actions would have on contemporary art.
Fast forward over two decades, and Gates has evolved into a prominent figure in the art world. He holds the titles of professor of visual art at the University of Chicago and Guggenheim Fellow, and his collaborations even include esteemed brands like Prada. His artistic oeuvre often delves into themes surrounding Black American culture, manifesting in mixed-media installations showcased in world-renowned venues such as the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., London’s Serpentine Gallery, and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Explore more about Gates’s journey and his commitment to community engagement here.
Gates’s latest exhibition, "Unto Thee," which opened on September 23 at the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art, marks a significant milestone in his career: it’s his first solo show in his hometown. This exhibition not only features Gates’s own work but also integrates notable pieces from the university’s extensive archives, prompting a unique dialogue between personal history and academic heritage. Drawing on the past, Gates reflects on his artistic journey over the last two decades while surveying the materials that have been entrusted to him. "I’m reflecting on what happened these last 20 years, and surveying the materials given to me," he observes, allowing audiences a glimpse into his evolution as both an artist and a community steward.
One of the most striking elements of "Unto Thee" is its eclectic presentation. The exhibition features paintings, installations, sculptures, ceramics, and films, encompassing contributions from several university departments. Notable items include wooden pews created for Bond Chapel and an impressive collection of 72,000 glass slides from the art-history department, all of which have accumulated over the years as personal gifts to Gates. These artifacts serve as a bridge connecting Gates’s artistic vision to the broader narrative of cultural history. To see a deeper exploration of these artifacts, check out additional insights here.
The exhibition also includes a site-specific installation of 350 African masks preserved by Gates, accompanied by a soundtrack from the vinyl collection of the late French-Vietnamese DJ Dinh Nguyen, also recognized as DJ Natty Hô. This multifaceted setup not only embodies Gates’s love for cultural artifacts but also commemorates the artists and communities that have influenced his work. Each object tells a story, enriching the experience for viewers who can appreciate the historical significance behind the art.
Gates’s large-scale ceramic pieces, which he refined during his studies in Tokoname, Japan, are also on display. His time in Japan was instrumental in shaping his craft, a process that continues to resonate in his work today. Recently, Gates returned to his mentor’s hillside studio in Gifu, where he learned that his teacher, the late master ceramist Ryoji Koie, would not be concerned with preservation. "He wasn’t interested in preservation," Gates remarks, emphasizing the artist’s belief in the organic decay of materials and the ephemeral nature of art, which further enriches Gates’s relationship with his own creations.
As Theaster Gates continues to make waves both locally and internationally, his journey serves as a testament to the power of art in revitalizing communities and preserving culture. His works are not merely aesthetic pieces; they are integral narratives that encourage discussions about identity, heritage, and the ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. Embrace the opportunity to witness the extraordinary intersection of history, creativity, and social commentary that is found in Gates’s work at "Unto Thee." And if you’re inspired to experience transformative moments of your own, don’t hesitate to explore travel options for your next adventure.
