CHICAGO – Navy Pier is honored to present a groundbreaking exhibition of fine contemporary Black art celebrating the 20th anniversary of Diasporal Rhythms, Oct. 6, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2024. PERSPECTIVE will be a showcase of more than 55 significant works created by some of the world’s top Black visual artists from the legendary collections of Diasporal Rhythm’s members. The exhibition will be open free to the public and housed on the lower level of Navy Pier’s Festival Hall.
“With global exhibitions such as EXPO Chicago, partnerships with local museums and performing arts organizations, and a whimsical collection of permanent public art, Navy Pier shares the best of Chicago with the world, even as it brings the world home to Chicago, in a free and welcoming environment,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “Diasporal Rhythms’ PERSPECTIVES continues to advance Navy Pier’s mission as a cultural hub to provide access to diverse experiences, helping to ensure that Chicagoans of all neighborhoods see themselves reflected in the programs we present, the art we curate, and the stories we tell.”
Diasporal Rhythms, the nation’s seminal Black art collective, is dedicated to expanding the appreciation for contemporary Black art created by artists and makers of the African Diaspora. The PERSPECTIVE exhibition is made possible through the support of Chicago Cultural Treasures and curated by international award-winning artist, filmmaker, and creative Raymond A. Thomas. Notable featured artists will include Paul Branton, George Crump, Susan Clinard, Woodrow Nash, Candace Hunter, Kenneth Humphries, Jessie Howard, Preston Jackson, Joyce Owens, Raymond A. Thomas, and Max Sansing, among many others.
“Diasporal Rhythms is more than a group of art collectors, they are caretakers and protectors of the Black image and the Black image makers,” said Thomas. “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Navy Pier for this event believing that this renowned space will be the perfect venue to engage an international audience and share with them master-level art works of absolute beauty and culture.”
About Diasporal Rhythms:
Comprised of both nationally recognized and novice fine art collectors, Diasporal Rhythms presents workshops, seminars, studio visits, special events, and one-of-a-kind home art tours to educate the public on the importance of collecting Black art. In 2021, Diasporal Rhythms was awarded the Chicago’s Cultural Treasures grant for contribution to the history, culture, vibrancy, and identity of communities of color in greater Chicago. President Biden recognized Diasporal Rhythms co-founder Patric McCoy with the Lifetime Achievement Community Service Award in 2022 for his work through the organization. For additional information, visit www.diasporalrhythms.org.
About Navy Pier:
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
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