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SKIN + MASKS |||, Curated by Vic Mensa & Chanelle Lacy: Magnificent Mile Association, 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Current and Forthcoming exhibition
18 July 2022 - 15 April 2023
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Overview
Armani Howard, Dip, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 64 in.
Armani Howard, Dip, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 64 in.

Kavi Gupta announces the third iteration of SKIN + MASKS, a group exhibition aimed at decolonizing Black art beyond the politics of visibility. Co-curated by gallery director Chanelle Lacy and rapper, activist, and philanthropist Vic Mensa, the exhibition brings together works by an inter-generational group of Chicago-based contemporary artists, and is presented in collaboration with EXPO CHICAGO, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, and The Magnificent Mile® Association.


SKIN + MASKS takes its title from the work of Antilles-born author Frantz Fanon (b. 1925 — d. 1961), whose seminal text Black Skin, White Masks examined how barriers of race impede our ability to experience humanity. The exhibition’s first two iterations fostered dynamic conversations about what it means for visual art to incite cultural evolutions “beyond the politics of visibility.” This third iteration further examines that theme, looking deeper into Fanon’s statement that, “Before it can adopt a positive voice, freedom requires an effort at disalienation.”


The curators bring together artists working with ideas related to magical realism, esotericism, and metaphysics, spotlighting works that address connections between myths, memories, mysticism, materials, and methods. The exhibition offers further insights into how perspectives on visibility and belonging develop over time within a single community.


"SKIN + MASKS is a cultural conversation spanning bandwidth of race, identity and art, created in collaboration with Kavi Gupta Gallery and Chanelle Lacy,” said Mensa. “Since its launch in July, it has seen multiple different iterations, and we are ecstatic to expand it into its next existence as a limited engagement installation on Michigan Avenue. With this new moment in the life of SKIN + MASKS, we look to develop the show's conceptual framework while spotlighting even more brilliant work from some of the same, and some different, Chicago creators.”
 
"SKIN + MASKS has served as a community centered incubator of expansive conversation and radical performance since its debut this summer. The gallery prides itself on amplifying diverse voices and partnering with Vic Mensa on this show has not only brought more seats to the table, but broadened the table itself. I could not be more thrilled to join as co-curator of this next iteration of SKIN + MASKS in ongoing support of our mission to provide an elevated platform to artists both emerging and established that are often overlooked or marginalized."

–Chanelle Lacy
 

“We are proud to be collaborating with the Magnificent Mile Association, Kavi Gupta Gallery and the curators, Vic Mensa and Chanelle Lacy, to present this groundbreaking contemporary art exhibition,” said Tony Karman, President | Director, EXPO CHICAGO.  “This limited engagement installation on Michigan Avenue is a wonderful addition to Chicago’s great Magnificent Mile, showcasing to the world the work of emerging Chicago-based artists and the rich artistic talent that is active in our great city today.” “Art, architecture, and engaging experiences contribute to the magic that is created daily on The Magnificent Mile,” said Kimberly Bares, President and CEO of The Magnificent Mile Association. “We are thrilled that this group art exhibition will be on display for Chicago residents and visitors to enjoy, and that the works are available for people to add to their own collections.”


As with the previous iterations of SKIN + MASKS, Kavi Gupta will donate all  proceeds from SKIN MASKS III to Vic Mensa’s philanthropic non-profit SaveMoneySaveLife for use in creating infrastructure and providing resources for young artists in Accra, Ghana.


The exhibition will run through the tenth anniversary edition of EXPO CHICAGO (April 13 – 16) and present programming during EXPO ART WEEK to engage artists featured in SKIN + MASKS III. The exposition’s tenth anniversary edition will celebrate a decade of bringing leading modern and contemporary art from around the world to Chicago, solidifying the city’s place as an international art hub and a convener for global perspectives and creativity. The 2023 edition of the fair will feature more than 140 exhibitors, in addition to bringing more than 80 curators and countless artists, collectors and creatives from around the world to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. SKIN + MASKS III is made possible through the collaboration by EXPO CHICAGO and The Magnificent Mile Association with Kavi Gupta Gallery. Special thanks to the City of Chicago for sponsorship. This program is also sponsored by the American Rescue Plan.

 
About EXPO CHICAGO:
EXPO CHICAGO, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, features leading international galleries alongside a leading platform for contemporary art and cultural programming. The 10th anniversary edition of EXPO CHICAGO will take place within Navy Pier’s historic Festival Hall April 13 - 16, 2023. EXPO CHICAGO presents a diverse and inventive program, including /Dialogues (presented in partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago) and Exchange by Northern Trust: An Interactive Conversation Around the Art of Collecting, unrivaled programs for both public and VIP audiences; IN/SITU, dynamic on-site installations highlighting large-scale sculpture, film, and site-specific work; and major public art initiatives, including IN/SITU Outside, with works installed throughout Chicago Park District locations, and OVERRIDE | A Billboard Project, a curated selection of work by international artists displayed throughout the city’s digital billboard network. The EXPO CHICAGO program also features an unprecedented commitment to host curatorial initiatives during the exposition, including the Curatorial Forum in partnership with Independent Curators International (ICI), and the Curatorial Exchange, which partners with foreign agencies and consulates to expand the exposition’s global reach; and the Directors Summit, which brings together emerging art museum leaders for a three-day program addressing the shifting dynamics of museum leadership today. EXPO CHICAGO is presented by Art Expositions, LLC. Under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman, EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region’s contemporary arts community and inspiring its collector base. 
 
About The Magnificent Mile Association:
The Magnificent Mile  Association was founded in 1912 and is a private, nonprofit membership organization with a mission of preserving, promoting, and enhancing one of Chicago’s most unique, multi-use neighborhoods. In addition to international marketing and planning popular consumer activations programming year-round, The Association also serves its members with district planning and beautification and incomparable networking opportunities. Members include real estate properties, retail shops, hotels, restaurants, entertainment establishments, institutional and residential properties, and various professional services.
 
 
 

 

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Works
  • Erol Scott Harris PIEL 11 | 22, 2022 Mixed media on linoleum, vinyl, and vellum 62 x 39 in 157.48 x 99.06 cm
    Erol Scott Harris
    PIEL 11 | 22, 2022
    Mixed media on linoleum, vinyl, and vellum
    62 x 39 in
    157.48 x 99.06 cm
  • Sherman Beck Targeted, 2012 Oil and collage on giclée on canvas 30 x 40 in 76.2 x 101.6 cm
    Sherman Beck
    Targeted, 2012
    Oil and collage on giclée on canvas
    30 x 40 in
    76.2 x 101.6 cm
  • Gerald Williams Introspection #2, 2009 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 10 in 50.8 x 25.4 cm
    Gerald Williams
    Introspection #2, 2009
    Acrylic on canvas
    20 x 10 in
    50.8 x 25.4 cm
  • Gerald Williams When Will It Ever End, 2022 Acrylic and collage on canvas 60 x 48 in 152.4 x 121.9 cm
    Gerald Williams
    When Will It Ever End, 2022
    Acrylic and collage on canvas
    60 x 48 in
    152.4 x 121.9 cm
  • Sherman Beck Star People, c. 1980/2016 Oil and paper on canvas 40 x 30 in 101.6 x 76.2 cm
    Sherman Beck
    Star People, c. 1980/2016
    Oil and paper on canvas
    40 x 30 in
    101.6 x 76.2 cm
  • Andrea Coleman Black Apollo, 2022 Digital print on canvas 42 x 38 x 1 in 106.7 x 96.5 x 2.5 cm
    Andrea Coleman
    Black Apollo, 2022
    Digital print on canvas
    42 x 38 x 1 in
    106.7 x 96.5 x 2.5 cm
  • Lola Ayisha Ogbara Bubblegum, Bubblegum, 2021 Ceramic stoneware, acrylic varnish, nylon 30 x 18 x 20 in 76.2 x 45.7 x 50.8 cm
    Lola Ayisha Ogbara
    Bubblegum, Bubblegum, 2021
    Ceramic stoneware, acrylic varnish,
    nylon
    30 x 18 x 20 in
    76.2 x 45.7 x 50.8 cm
  • Lola Ayisha Ogbara Mabel, 2022 Ceramic stoneware with glaze 13 1/2 x 10 x 9 in 34.3 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm
    Lola Ayisha Ogbara
    Mabel, 2022
    Ceramic stoneware with glaze
    13 1/2 x 10 x 9 in
    34.3 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm
  • Breanna Robinson Black Barbie II, 2022 Silkscreen on cotton rag, with embroidery 20 x 27 in 50.8 x 68.6 cm
    Breanna Robinson
    Black Barbie II, 2022
    Silkscreen on cotton rag, with embroidery
    20 x 27 in
    50.8 x 68.6 cm
  • Cameron Spratley Hood Poem, 2021 Acrylic, oil, metal studs, inkjet prints, grease marker, ink, and UV varnish on canvas 30 x 26 in 76.2 x 66 cm
    Cameron Spratley
    Hood Poem, 2021
    Acrylic, oil, metal studs, inkjet prints, grease marker, ink, and UV varnish on canvas
    30 x 26 in
    76.2 x 66 cm
  • Thelonious Stokes A Post Mortem Portrait of Emmett and Louis Till, 2021 Oil on canvas in gold frame 78 3/4 x 57 1/8 in 200 x 145.1 cm
    Thelonious Stokes
    A Post Mortem Portrait of Emmett and Louis Till, 2021
    Oil on canvas in gold frame
    78 3/4 x 57 1/8 in
    200 x 145.1 cm
  • Nikko Washington Swing On 'Em, 2021 Oil on canvas 60 x 72 x 2 in 152.4 x 182.9 x 5.1 cm
    Nikko Washington
    Swing On 'Em, 2021
    Oil on canvas
    60 x 72 x 2 in
    152.4 x 182.9 x 5.1 cm
  • Nikko Washington Hyde, 2022 Oil on plastic 25 x 25 in 63.5 x 63.5 cm
    Nikko Washington
    Hyde, 2022
    Oil on plastic
    25 x 25 in
    63.5 x 63.5 cm
  • Pugs Atomz Flowers for you, Willi and Patrick, 2022 Woven and embroidered tapestry 54 x 64 in 137.2 x 162.6 cm
    Pugs Atomz
    Flowers for you, Willi and Patrick, 2022
    Woven and embroidered tapestry
    54 x 64 in
    137.2 x 162.6 cm
  • Armani Howard Dip, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 70 x 64 in 177.8 x 162.6 cm
    Armani Howard
    Dip, 2022
    Acrylic on canvas
    70 x 64 in
    177.8 x 162.6 cm
  • Armani Howard Hide and Seek, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 36 x 60 in 91.4 x 152.4 cm
    Armani Howard
    Hide and Seek, 2022
    Acrylic on canvas
    36 x 60 in
    91.4 x 152.4 cm
  • Mia Lee Lady of Negotiable Virtue , 2022 Oil, acrylic, plaster 50 x 74 in 127 x 188 cm
    Mia Lee
    Lady of Negotiable Virtue , 2022
    Oil, acrylic, plaster
    50 x 74 in
    127 x 188 cm
  • Isabella Margarita Mellado The Moon , 2022 Oil on canvas with satin jacquard frame 97 x 63 in 246.4 x 160 cm
    Isabella Margarita Mellado
    The Moon , 2022
    Oil on canvas with satin jacquard frame
    97 x 63 in
    246.4 x 160 cm
  • Breanna Robinson Untitled , 2022 Pigment print on OHP film 112 x 60 in 284.5 x 152.4 cm
    Breanna Robinson
    Untitled , 2022
    Pigment print on OHP film
    112 x 60 in
    284.5 x 152.4 cm
  • Breanna Robinson Untitled (Harlequin), 2022 Pigment print on OHP film 92 x 92 in 233.7 x 233.7 cm
    Breanna Robinson
    Untitled (Harlequin), 2022
    Pigment print on OHP film
    92 x 92 in
    233.7 x 233.7 cm
  • Terron Cooper Sorrells Find Me Where I Am I, 2022 Oil on panel 24 x 18 x 2 1/2 in 61 x 45.7 x 6.3 cm
    Terron Cooper Sorrells
    Find Me Where I Am I, 2022
    Oil on panel
    24 x 18 x 2 1/2 in
    61 x 45.7 x 6.3 cm
  • Nikko Washington World's Largest Machine , 2022 Oil on canvas 48 x 48 in 121.9 x 121.9 cm
    Nikko Washington
    World's Largest Machine , 2022
    Oil on canvas
    48 x 48 in
    121.9 x 121.9 cm
  • R. Treshawn Williamson Untitled_4 ( I have always been attracted to the way low-end frequencies ricochet from vehicles as they pass by ― the thump of the blown-out speaker merging with the ambiance of the block), 2018 Screen printed charcoal on canvas. Charcoal sourced form Maryland White Oak 48 x 36 in 121.9 x 66 cm
    R. Treshawn Williamson
    Untitled_4 ( I have always been attracted to the way low-end frequencies ricochet from vehicles as they pass by ― the thump of the blown-out speaker merging with the ambiance of the block), 2018
    Screen printed charcoal on canvas. Charcoal sourced form Maryland White Oak
    48 x 36 in
    121.9 x 66 cm
  • Gerald Williams Anonymity #3, 2007 Acrylic on canvas 41 x 17 x 2 1/2 in 104.1 x 43.2 x 6.3 cm
    Gerald Williams
    Anonymity #3, 2007
    Acrylic on canvas
    41 x 17 x 2 1/2 in
    104.1 x 43.2 x 6.3 cm
  • Gerald Williams Anonymity #1 , 2007 Acrylic on canvas 39 x 15 x 2 in 99.1 x 38.1 x 5.1 cm
    Gerald Williams
    Anonymity #1 , 2007
    Acrylic on canvas
    39 x 15 x 2 in
    99.1 x 38.1 x 5.1 cm
  • Bianca Pastel Binky Inna Bottle Oil on Acrylic Canvas 30 x 40 in 76.2 x 101.6 cm
    Bianca Pastel
    Binky Inna Bottle
    Oil on Acrylic Canvas
    30 x 40 in
    76.2 x 101.6 cm
  • Bianca Pastel The Crown Too Heavy Oil on Acrylic Canvas 30 x 40 in 76.2 x 101.6 cm
    Bianca Pastel
    The Crown Too Heavy
    Oil on Acrylic Canvas
    30 x 40 in
    76.2 x 101.6 cm
  • Leasho Johnson Mastering the Hazardous, 2022 Charcoal, water colors, distemper, acrylic, oil stick, oil indigo dye, log-wood dye, collage, gesso on paper mounted on canvas 26 x 32 in 66 x 81.3 cm
    Leasho Johnson
    Mastering the Hazardous, 2022
    Charcoal, water colors, distemper, acrylic, oil stick, oil indigo dye, log-wood dye, collage, gesso on paper mounted on canvas
    26 x 32 in
    66 x 81.3 cm
  • Junar Rodriguez Ella, 2022 Acrylic and oil on wood board 24 x 30 in 61 x 76.2 cm
    Junar Rodriguez
    Ella, 2022
    Acrylic and oil on wood board
    24 x 30 in
    61 x 76.2 cm
Close
Installation Views
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 1
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 6
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 3
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 5
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 4
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 2
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 7
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 8
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 10
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 11
  • 2023 01 Skin And Masks Popup 9
Close
Videos
  • Skin + Masks - Artist talk with Vic Mensa

    Skin + Masks - Artist talk with Vic Mensa

    Read more
Press
  • Installation view, SKIN + MASKS III, Curated by Vic Mensa & Chanelle Lacy, 2022. Magnificent Mile Association.

    Rapper Vic Mensa curating new iteration of exhibit on Magnificent Mile

    Joseph S. Pete, The Times, December 21, 2022
  • Armani Howard, Dip, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 64 in.

    SKIN + MASKS, Curated By Vic Mensa, Now Through April

    Ray Pride, New City, December 20, 2022

Related artists

  • Pugs Atomz

  • Sherman Beck

    Sherman Beck

  • Andrea Coleman

    Andrea Coleman

  • Erol Scott Harris

    Erol Scott Harris

  • Armani Howard

    Armani Howard

  • Leasho Johnson

    Leasho Johnson

  • Mia Lee

    Mia Lee

  • Isabella Margarita Mellado

    Isabella Margarita Mellado

  • Lola Ayisha Ogbara

    Lola Ayisha Ogbara

  • Bianca Pastel

    Bianca Pastel

  • Breanna Robinson

    Breanna Robinson

  • Junar Rodriguez

    Junar Rodriguez

  • Terron Cooper Sorrells

    Terron Cooper Sorrells

  • Cameron Spratley

    Cameron Spratley

  • Thelonious Stokes

    Thelonious Stokes

  • Nikko Washington

    Nikko Washington

  • Gerald Williams

    Gerald Williams

  • R. Treshawn Williamson

    R. Treshawn Williamson

Back to exhibitions

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219 N. Elizabeth St. Chicago, IL 60607

Hours | Thurs-Fri: 11am-5pm, Sat: 12pm-5pm 

215 E. Buffalo St. #219 New Buffalo, MI 49117

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