In conjunction with South Asia Institute’s current exhibition, What is Seen and Unseen: Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago, curator Shelly Bahl has organized a symposium that investigates the ways in which South Asian American artists are contributing to and changing the landscape of American art.
The free, day-long symposium features three discussion panels and focuses on the intersection of art practices, art histories, and arts education. Panelists address the need for recovering and preserving overlooked histories and art archival materials, as well as the pivotal roles of curators, art historians, educators, archivists and arts institutions within this context. The conversations also spotlight art collectives and community-building initiatives in Chicago that prioritize the narratives and works of racialized artists.
The event includes all-day exhibition access and a reception.
Schedule:
11:00 am: Registration and welcome
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Shadows Dance Within the Archives: Documenting and Preserving Asian American Art Histories
Laura Kina (chair): Artist-scholar, DePaul University
Tara Kuruvilla: Lecturer, Columbia University
Sarita Heer: Lecturer of Fine Arts in Art History, Loyola University Chicago
Alexander Yu: Community arts organizer
1:00 – 1:45 pm: Lunch
1:45 – 3:15 pm: Ustads and Gurus: The Role of Art Education and Mentorship Within the South Asian Diaspora
Shaurya Kumar (chair): Professor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Janhavi Khemka: Interdisciplinary artist
Al-Qawi Nanavati: Artist and art educator
Melissa Raman Molitor: Artist, educator, and art therapist
3:30 – 5:00 pm: Shadow Bodies Are Electric: Independent Artists and Curators Lighting Sparks
Shelly Bahl (chair): Interdisciplinary artist, curator, and educator
Sadia Uqaili: Founder and Executive Director at Explore Their Stories, Inc.
Asad Jafri: Cultural producer, community organizer and interdisciplinary artist
Pia Singh: Independent curator and arts writer
5:00 – 6:00 pm: Closing remarks, catalog launch, and reception:
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An initiative of the Terra Foundation for American Art in partnership with artists and organizations across the city, Art Design Chicago is a series of events and exhibitions that highlight the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities.
