Radical Futures
- Curators: Juarez Hawkins with TRACE, Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community & Environment
Conversation Lead: Paola Aguirre, artist and founder of Borderless Studio
About this mini-exhibition
What is “radical”? Participants in this conversation explored how radicalism encompasses the need for inclusion and connection—often to something greater than the individual—as well as a desire to reveal long-hidden truths. They examined the role of the radical as both revolutionary and visionary, an artist creating light out of darkness. Depictions of young people, especially youth of color, are often negative. These portrayals obscure the truth about their lives: keen intelligence, awareness, and a need to be seen in a more positive light. Radical Futures shares the stories of Chicago youth who are both revolutionary and visionary, actively working to make a meaningful impact on their communities.
The objects on display are signifiers of memory. Some invoke narratives of elders and ancestors, others speak to the wonder of creativity. Collectively, they remind us of our shared humanity.
—Juarez Hawkins with TRACE, Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community & Environment
About this page
Below are the collectors’ words—unedited—about their objects.
- Jane Andrews, Park Manor
Gold coin
“I always keep it in my wallet and use it as a good luck charm.”
My mother gave it to me when she came home and told me not to lose it.
I selected this item, because jewelry was a risk that I did not want to take. Also, I wanted to pick something that I already kept on me.
- Ivan Salazar, Chatham
Blue pen by Pentel
“I remember drawing and writing a poem about the relationship between my dad and I. It has a lot of emotional and spiritual value that has made me explore more about myself and how I relate to people in my surroundings.”
[The writing] then transpired into making different poems about our relationship, which then led to a whole book dedicated to that.
It has helped me through a lot in terms releasing emotions. Also just documenting the day to day of my own life, which I can reflect on in a later date.
- Marcus Davis, East Garfield Park
Fork bracelet with jade, 2014
“It reminds me of a time in my life where rent was cheap, all my friends lived close by, and summers were about being young, Black, and exceptional.”
I’m a big fan of repurposing. To take a mundane fork and envision a piece of jewelry is a testament to the power of imagination. I’m also prone to losing jewelry, so it’s a personal accomplishment it remains in my possession.
My accessories are how I express my individuality.
- Aaliyah Sargent, Washington Heights
Grandmother’s key
“This is a spare key to my great grandmother’s ‘secret’ box. It’s meaningful because I have never met my great grandmother, but this is something that is part of her.”
I felt like this is one of the few things I have a personal connection too.
This is a spare key. My grandmother ha[s] the regular one. When her times come, she will give that one to me as well.
- Jon Veal, Humboldt Park
Sip by Theaster Gates Studio, 2015
“I was a young artist, and I got this object as a gift from helping set up a party for the artist’s practice. It represents the beginning of my journey and the generosity that I try to introduce into everything I do.”
- Jordan Campbell, Kenwood
Painter’s palette
“This object has been a tool of encouragement.”
This palette represents my hidden interest in painting.
I love to paint and painting inspires all of my practices as a multi-disciplinary artist.
Featured images
- Grace Lul, Logan Square
Cotton headwrap
“It represents the ivory-and-black bracelets my family and tribe used to make, and still make to this day, in South Sudan. It is something I value and represents who I am and my family.”
It reminds me of the legacy of my family and country despite being removed from it as an immigrant.
Featured images
- Ari Antos (MCA TCA member), Avondale
Crusty bug collection
“If my collection were a person I would describe it with cool hair, loud and screechy, with a sexy and muscular body—and crunchy.”
If there were one word to describe this object it would be Intricate.
Featured images
- Vanessa Stokes, Austin
Wedding Day by Chester Sheard, 1967
“This is an image of my parents’ wedding day. I am a collector of images and stories, and I love the stories of my family.”
This object is meaningful to me because it’s my family’s.
Featured images
- Okicize Beauvais (MCA TCA Member), Humboldt Park
Special by my two friends, 2008
“Having this object makes me feel loved and appreciated—that two people I really care about gifted me something that is close to them.”
[This object is meaningful] because it comes from two people I really appreciate and it was a gift.
[This reflects my personal, cultural, and societal values] because I genuinely enjoy collecting small boxes and this is one of my most important ones.