When Home Won't Let You Stay: Migration through Contemporary Art | ICA/Boston

Summary

The exhibition at the ICA explores the complex themes of human migration and its impact on society through contemporary art. It features works by artists like Reena Kallat, Richard Mosse, and Yinka Shonibare, who use various mediums to depict migration narratives, from personal stories to broader cultural influences. The exhibition serves as a thought-provoking platform for discussing the profound challenges and experiences associated with movement, borders, and identity.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The ICA's exhibition focuses on pressing global issues, aligning with its history of addressing significant topics.
• 🎨 The exhibition is rooted in the belief that contemporary artists can tackle profound and challenging issues of our time.
• 🌐 Human movement is a historical narrative of civilization, driven by various reasons such as persecution, war, economic opportunities, and education.
• 🌳 The exhibition starts with Reena Kallat's 'Woven Chronicles', a large-scale installation symbolizing the movement of people and goods with electric cables.
• 🏘️ Artists in the exhibition explore themes of migration through different lenses, including borders, refugee camps, home spaces, and the sea.
• 👨‍🎨 Richard Mosse examines experiences at borders and migration routes, while Do Ho Suh delves into the concept of home.
• 🌊 Isaac Julien and Kader Attia focus on the sea's role in migration narratives.
• 🤝 The ICA collaborates with artists who are also activists, integrating their work into the community fabric.
• 🗣️ Anthony Romero's '...first and thought, then in action' is a community-driven project that began with meetings in East Boston, featuring a sculptural cart and performances.
• 📚 Yinka Shonibare's 'The American Library' is a monumental installation of 6,000 books, each covered in Dutch wax fabric and embossed with names of immigrants who influenced American culture.
• 🔍 The exhibition aims to be a starting point for deeper exploration and discussion on the complex topic of migration from various perspectives.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the exhibition discussed in the transcript?

The main theme of the exhibition is the exploration of migration and the movement of people, highlighting the profound and challenging issues associated with it.

Why does the ICA hold exhibitions on pressing global issues?

The ICA holds exhibitions on pressing global issues because of its long history and a profound belief in the role contemporary artists can play in addressing these issues.

What is the significance of the exhibition's focus on migration?

The focus on migration is significant as it tells the story of human civilization, reflecting on why people move due to persecution, war, or in search of better opportunities.

Which artist's work begins the exhibition, and what does it represent?

The exhibition begins with a large-scale installation by Mumbai artist Reena Kallat, which traces the movement of people and goods throughout the world.

What is 'Woven Chronicles' and what materials does it use?

'Woven Chronicles' is a wall drawing made using electric cables, symbolizing the implications of such lines drawn across territories and their dual role as both conduits and barriers.

How does the exhibition explore the concept of migration?

The exhibition explores migration through various artists' works that focus on different aspects such as borders, refugee camps, the space of the home, and the sea.

Which artists are mentioned in the script as focusing on migration narratives?

Richard Mosse, Do Ho Suh, Isaac Julien, and Kader Attia are mentioned as focusing on migration narratives through their art.

What role do artists-activists play in the exhibition?

Artists-activists like Tanya Bruguera and Michelle Ortiz play a role in the exhibition by integrating their work into the fabric of their communities, often addressing social issues.

What is Anthony Romero's contribution to the exhibition?

Anthony Romero, an artist and activist, contributed a piece titled '...first and thought, then in action', which began with community meetings and listening sessions in East Boston.

What is the significance of Yinka Shonibare's 'The American Library' in the exhibition?

Yinka Shonibare's 'The American Library' is a monumental installation consisting of 6,000 books covered in Dutch wax fabric, with the names of individuals who impacted American culture, highlighting the contributions of immigrants.

What is the intended outcome of the exhibition according to the script?

The exhibition aims to serve as a signpost, encouraging deep engagement with the topic of migration from various perspectives and fostering complex discussions on current cultural issues.