Jump to content
A person with short dreadlocks and a beard stands with arms crossed and head slightly tilted to their left while regarding the viewer with a serious expression.

Kerby Jean-Raymond. Image courtesy of Creative Artists Agency.

Dialogue Keynote: Kerby Jean-Raymond

  • +cal
  • Tickets
  • RSVP for Zoom Link.

About the Event

The MCA’s 2020 Dialogue Series asks, what does inheritance mean in the public sphere? In this culminating keynote, designer Kerby Jean-Raymond addresses the audience with a keynote presentation on inheriting creative legacies and leads an immersive discussion that imagines our collective future. Jean-Raymond is in conversation with James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator Michael Darling and introduced by Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn.

This conversation takes place over Zoom video conference and will be streamed on the MCA’s Facebook page. The speakers and moderator will be visible, all other participants in the Zoom room will be invited to share their thinking via the chat function and may be asked to ask questions verbally using their computer’s audio lines.

Dialogue Series 2020: Inheritance

When one thinks of "inheritance," images of passed-down wealth and privilege may come to mind, but what does inheritance mean more broadly to the public? The spring 2020 Dialogue Series brings together artists, scholars, and audiences to consider the riches, debts, and cultural realities we inherit as social beings. We will discuss the status of accumulated art objects as treasures in our public institutions; life in a capitalist society built on colonialism and slavery; the generational experience of migration; and the inheritance of a global environmental crisis for future generations. The 2020 Dialogue Series asks how we contend with our cultural inheritance, and what are we leaving for the future?


The Dialogue Series is a museum-wide commitment to sustained inquiry about museum practice, access, and inclusion. Each annual series includes eminent speakers presenting innovative work happening across disciplines, panel discussions, and opportunities for open dialogue between local arts professionals and audiences. Dialogue is organized by Curator January Parkos Arnall with the Performance and Public Practice team.

About the Speaker

Kerby Jean-Raymond is an American fashion designer who uses his label, Pyer Moss, as a vehicle to address larger concerns in society. His "American, Also" collection series was recognized for its powerful messages and groundbreaking fashion shows. In addition to designing for his label and Reebok, Raymond has collaborated with several brands including Sean John and FUBU.

Funding

Major support is provided by Julie and Larry Bernstein, Zell Family Foundation, and Carol Prins and John Hart/The Jessica Fund.

Generous support is provided by Lois and Steve Eisen and The Eisen Family Foundation, and Caryn and King Harris.