The Exhibition, Curated by SEPIA Collective and Hosted by Rebuild Foundation, Features Work From More Than 50 Artists As Well As Related Events Throughout November and December
Rebuild Foundation, the arts, education and cultural development organization committed to transforming urban communities, and SEPIA Collective, the Los Angeles-based organization that engages artists, builds community, and empowers youth,
today announced the November 2 Chicago opening of the “ICONIC: Black Panther” exhibition at the Stony Island Arts Bank. Following groundbreaking exhibitions at American Steel Studios in Oakland and Gregorio Escalante Gallery in Los Angeles, “ICONIC: Black Panther” will take place in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party’s Illinois Chapter, celebrate the legacy of the Black Panther Party in American history, and feature artworks from local and internationally recognized artists of all races including Emory Douglas, Dr. Samella Lewis, Shepard Fairey, Richard Duardo and Lili Bernard.
The weekend of November 2 will feature numerous events and opportunities to engage with Black Panther Party members. In addition, film screenings throughout November and December will explore Black Panther Party cinema and footage from the 1960s and 1970s.
“The rise of the Black Panther Party was one of the most influential political and social movements of the 20th Century, and Chicago was a pivotal place in the movement’s formation,” said Tregg Duerson, chief operating officer of Rebuild Foundation. “Rebuild Foundation is proud to host this exhibition in a city with so much Black Panther history, to recognize some of the movement’s leaders, and to celebrate the many artists who have been just as inspired by the Panthers’ political and social activism as we have been.”
Curated by Tracie D. Hall, founder of Rootwork Gallery, the exhibition will feature works by 50 artists, including Malika Jackson, Jesus Gonzales Flores, Candace Hunter, Celine Browning, Emory Douglas, Dr. Samella Lewis, Shanna Merola, Walter Lobyn Hamilton, Juarez Hawkins, David Anthony Geary, Amanda Williams, Ayanah Moor, Pierce Cruz, Joshua Harris, Liz Gomez, Folade Speaks, Rayshayla Marie Brown and many more.
“The Black Panthers were phenomenal,” said Rosalind McGary, artist and founder of the SEPIA Collective. “These young people created more than 20 needed survival programs all while protecting their communities against predatory policing. We are fortunate to have created a vehicle like ICONIC for acknowledging their contribution to this country’s history, and for how they inspired oppressed people the world over. “ICONIC: Black Panther” makes room for courageous dialogue around our current circumstances, helps us learn from the successes and mistakes of our elders, and allows artists the honor of participating in caring for them now.”
The ICONIC: Black Panther opening reception will be held 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on November 2 at the Stony Island Arts Bank. The exhibition will run until January 6, 2018. The opening weekend program will feature:
Friday, November 2 | 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
“ICONIC: Black Panther” Opening Reception
DJ set by Ayana Contreras, host of “Reclaimed Soul” on Vocalo and producer of WBEZ’s Sound Opinions.
Saturday, November 3 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free breakfast with Black Panthers at the Stony Island Arts Bank.
Saturday, November 3 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mixer and poster signing with the Black Panthers.
DJ set by Rebuild Foundation DJ in Residence Duane Powell.
Sunday, November 4 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Matinee film screening of “Free Angela (And All Political Prisoners)” (NR).
Sunday, November 4 | 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
“Her Words,” a panel featuring women from the Black Panther party, including Erica Huggins and Barbara Easley-Cox, to follow the screening of “Free Angela.” This event is sponsored in part by American Airlines.
Sunday, November 4 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Performance by Ernest Dawkins and the Great Black Music Ensemble with special guest Emory Douglas, Black Panther and artist. This event is sponsored in part by American Airlines.
Friday, November 9 | 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Film screening of “Panther” (R).
Friday, November 16 | 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Film screening of “WATTSTAX” (R) followed by a discussion with Rebuild Foundation DJ in Residence Duane Powell.
Friday, November 23 | 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Black [POWER] Friday, a day-long exploration of Black Power activists and contributions through cinema, music and literature, including film screenings of “The Black Power Mixtape” (NR), “Higher Learning” (R) and “Malcolm X” (PG-13).
Friday, December 7 | 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Film screening of “The Murder of Fred Hampton” (NR).
Friday, December 14 | 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Film screening of “Night Catches Us” (R).
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther party, the Black Panthers in Chicago has launched a year-long community outreach program in which they will implement survival programs, such as food giveaways and screenings for sickle cell disease, aimed at addressing malnutrition and poor health in the black community. The program will address the debilitating consequences of poverty over the course of the entire year.
The exhibition is available for viewing during Stony Island Arts Bank public hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information about these events, visit www.rebuild-foundation.org.
About Rebuild Foundation
Rebuild Foundation is an arts, education and cultural development organization committed to transforming neighborhoods and celebrating innovative artistic practices. Founded by artist Theaster Gates, the organization support artists and strengthens communities by providing free arts programming, creating new cultural amenities and developing affordable housing, studio and live-work spaces. Rebuild Foundation also serves as a platform for other mission-aligned organizations by providing space, support and partnership around common goals.
About SEPIA Collection
SEPIA Collective is a Los Angeles-based, artist-run organization founded by Rosalind McGary and focused on engaging artists, building community and empowering youth. SEPIA Collective produces dynamic art events, projects and curricula in partnership with a range of partners including cities, institutions and not-for-profit groups.
