In 1967, the Organization of Black American Culture painted a huge mural “guerrilla-style” on the wall of a decaying building on the South Side of Chicago. They called it the Wall of Respect. This mural, which grew out of the Black Liberation Movement of the 1960s, was controversial from the start and only survived a few years—but in that time it inspired a community movement that went on to paint vivid colors on walls across the city and beyond. The Wall of Respect’s 50th anniversary is 2017, and many events in the Chicago area will commemorate it this coming year. Using photographs and documents relating to the Wall of Respect and other murals, this exhibition explores the mural movement in Chicago in its historical context, investigating how race and class have intersected with the spatial politics of the city.
This exhibition is collectively curated by students in the Department of Art History first year seminar, taught by Rebecca Zorach, Mary Jane Crowe Professor in Art and Art History.
This exhibition is collectively curated by students in the Department of Art History first year seminar, taught by Rebecca Zorach, Mary Jane Crowe Professor in Art and Art History.