Opening Reception: Kahlil Robert Irving Exhibition

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 4:30pm
Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery

FREE! Open to the public.

Saint Louis-based multimedia artist Kahlil Robert Irving will exhibit a recent body of work in his first solo exhibition in New England, including several pieces commissioned by the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery at Wesleyan. Working across a variety of material production methods, Irving examines the evolving relationship between symbols and power by bringing attention to the oppressive legacies of colonialism present in contemporary culture. His practice purposely challenges constructs around decorative arts, monuments, and the history of how race has been reinforced in America.

Associate Professor of Science in Society, African American Studies, and Sociology Anthony Hatch, who has written an essay for the exhibition, will engage Kahlil Robert Irving in a gallery talk about his work at 5pm during the opening reception.

This exhibition is organized by the Center for the Arts. The exhibition and its accompanying events were made possible by support from Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts; the Hoy Family Fund; and Callicoon Fine Arts, New York; with co-sponsorship by the Department of Art and Art History and the African American Studies Program.

Listen to an interview with Kahlil Robert Irving by Associate Director of Visual Arts Benjamin Chaffee about this exhibition on the Center for the Arts Radio Hour here:

Click here to see photos from this event.