Theaster Gates: Temple Exercises
About
Theaster Gates's Temple Exercises is a series of exercises that occur both at the MCA and around the city. Exploring the relationships among art, politics, and race, Theaster Gates constructs a temple-like structure that merges aspects of African-American and Japanese traditions. Gates's construction also serves as a contemplative space meant to inspire dialogue across philosophical and cultural boundaries on topics ranging from politics and religion to culture, food, and art as well as a performative space for the Black Monks of Mississippi, a group of Baptist-Buddhist musicians who mix slave spirituals, monastic chants, and jazz to create a singular sonorous experience.
The exhibition is curated by Tricia Van Eck, Curatorial Coordinator and Curator of Artists’ Books, with the participation of MCA’s education and marketing departments.
Performances
Gates enacts several performances in the Tribune Orientation gallery during the month of January. Led by the Black Monks, the performances call attention to the deep relationships between religious and cultural phenomena. Performances are free.
- Tuesday, January 6, 6–7 pm
- Tuesday, January 13, begins at 5:30 pm in the Tribune Orientation Gallery and then moves to Kanter at 6 pm for Global Neighborhoods: Rick Lowe and Kyong Park in Conversation
- Tuesday, January 20, 6–7 pm
Funding
Generous support for this exhibition is provided by the Lois and Steve Eisen Family Foundation and an anonymous donor.
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