The exhibitionTaking Shape: Abstraction from the Arab World, 1950s–1980s on view at The Block in Fall 2022 explores mid-20th-century abstract art from North Africa, West Asia, and the Arab diaspora—a vast geographic expanse that encompasses diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. Comprising nearly 90 works by artists from countries including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, […]
Read moreReframing the Past in the work of Shan Goshorn & Rosalie Favell [Video]
In this online tour Block Museum curators Essi Rönkkö and Kate Hadley Toftness discuss the work of two artists whose works seek to reframe the narratives of history. The discussion focuses on the work of Shan Goshorn and Rosalie Favell, two contemporary artists presenting art as a critical intervention in the histories of harm and […]
Read moreFred Wilson explores Afro Turk identities in “Afro Kismet” [Video]
Internationally acclaimed artist and MacArthur Fellow Fred Wilson addressed audiences at The Block on April 16, 2019. In his talk, Wilson shared insights into his work Afro Kismet— resonant with themes of migration and history explored in the exhibition Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Exchange across Medieval Saharan Africa. Throughout his career, […]
Read moreWangechi Mutu Opening Day Celebration
On Saturday, September 27, the Block Museum proudly hosted an Opening Day Celebration for Wangechi Mutu: A Fantastic Journey. After weeks of hanging artworks, transforming the gallery space into an otherworldly environment, and having Wangechi herself construct a monumental wall drawing, everything was ready. The event began at 2pm in Louis Theater on Northwestern’s Evanston […]
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