This Week in Art: 8.15-8.21

Nick Cave. Soundsuit, 2009. Mixed media including synthetic hair; 97 x 26 x 20 inches. © Nick Cave. Photo: James Prinz Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

Nick Cave. Soundsuit, 2009. Mixed media including synthetic hair; 97 x 26 x 20 inches. © Nick Cave. Photo: James Prinz Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

Last week we released a new ART21 Exclusive on Carrie Mae Weems‘ performance piece Grace Notes: Reflections for Now. The powerful assemblage of song, dance, poetry, and theater honored black lives senselessly lost. Since then, two Season 8 artists have spoken out on the issue:

  • Nick Cave shared his thoughts on race and gun violence with the New York Times, particularly in relation to his signature sculptural “Soundsuits” that question identity, gender, and race: “I’m a black male. The moment I step outside of the privacy of my space, I am viewed differently.”
  • Theaster Gates is working to finalize a deal that would move the Cleveland gazebo  where Tamir Rice was shot by police to Chicago, for a memorial installation at the Stony Island Arts Bank.

“I’m a black male. The moment I step outside of the privacy of my space, I am viewed differently.”

Events & exhibitions


It’s impossible to include all the incredible exhibitions and art events happening this week in a single post. If there’s something you feel should have been included in today’s roundup, leave a comment below!