Using the poetic sermon, artist Theaster Gates will share a monologue on the creation of temporary and semi-permanent structures as a necessary part of his practice.

Whether it is the creation of intellectual property entities or joint ventures that allow shared ideation and ensure long-term commitments to a project, Gates will unpack the messy work associated with doing large city projects and administratively complicated works of “art.” Drawing on his interest and training in urban planning and preservation, he redeems spaces that have been left behind and brings the conversation of space to the forefront of contemporary art practice.

Following his talk, Gates will be in conversation with Sarah Lewis, assistant professor of history of art and architecture and African American studies at Harvard.

Co-sponsored by the Department of African and African American Studies, the Ethelbert Cooper Gallery of African and African American Art at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, the Department of History of Art and Architecture, and the Harvard Art Museums.