Overview

The exhibition If You Remember, I'll Remember (2017) at The Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University was an invitation to reflect upon the connection between the past and present through works of art. By engaging with topics such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Native American sovereignty, and African American struggles for civil rights, the exhibition offered an integrated view of the American past through the juxtaposition of histories that resonate with pressing contemporary social concerns. Exploring themes of love, mourning, war, relocation, and resistance in nineteenth- and twentieth-century America, it brought together the work of seven contemporary artists whose practices are based in archival research and incorporate historic documents and objects: Kristine Aono (b. 1960), Shan Goshorn (b. 1957), Samantha Hill (b. 1974), McCallum & Tarry (active 1998-2013), Dario Robleto (b. 1972), and Marie Watt (b. 1967). This richly illustrated publication serves as a record of the exhibition, its related programs, and its in-depth engagement projects - from sewing circles focused on the theme of equity to conversations with internment camp survivors - developed through discussion and collaboration with artists and campus and community partners. The retrospective nature of the publication allows for the inclusion of participants' voices, and reflection upon the broader process of museums working closely with multiple stakeholders. This approach contributes a valuable case study to current methodological conversations about collaborations between artists, museums, and communities.

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9781732568433

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Reviews

For nearly four decades, Northwestern University's Block Museum of Art has staged exhibits that are as revelatory as they are relevant. Now, the institute is celebrating its latest cultural coup with If You Remember, I'll Remember, a thoughtful examination of 19th and 20th century North American history that calls for reflection. --Meg Mathis, Sheridan Road Magazine The exhibition draws us into narratives of sorrow, mourning, healing, and hope. Though the show only features works by five individual artists and one artist pair, it's a marathon. Poeticism abounds and each piece lingers with the viewer long after leaving . . . All the works in the exhibition ask the viewer to consider our troubled collective past, yet these crushing histories are interrupted by moments of beauty and hope. --Julia Poppy, Picture This Post What objects and images are key to our memories? And what are the responsibilities of those who pause to remember individuals? Injustices? Wars? The new exhibit If You Remember, I'll Remember at the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art is not afraid to ask the big questions, focusing on important events in our nation's history . . . The exhibit includes sculptures, installations, videos and other works created by seven contemporary artists. Their work serves as an invitation to reflect on our nation's past while contemplating the present, through objects, sounds and images that unlock memories. --Louise Burton, Chicago Tribune

Author Information

JANET DEES is the Steven and Lisa Munster Tananbaum Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at The Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University SUSY BIELAK is an artist, curator, and educator; she was formerly the Susan and Stephen Wilson Associate Director of Engagement and Curator of Public Practice at The Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University

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