The Obama Presidential Center: A New Cultural Beacon on Chicago’s South Side
When the Obama Presidential Center opens its doors this spring, it promises to be a transformative space for the South Side of Chicago. Spanning nearly 20 acres, this new cultural and civic campus seeks to highlight the rich tapestry of Black life and history. One of the most exciting aspects of the center is a monumental, two-part frieze created by renowned artist Theaster Gates, intended to celebrate Black beauty and fortify the legacy of Black women in American culture.
A Tribute to Black Women
The centerpiece of Gates’ commission will reside within the Forum Building, named after Hadiya Pendleton, a young girl tragically killed by gun violence just days after performing at President Obama’s inauguration. Gates’ frieze draws from the archives of Ebony and Jet magazines, two groundbreaking publications that significantly shaped Black visual culture in the decades following World War II. Printed on aluminum alloy and scaled to architectural proportions, these images will provide a comprehensive portrait of Black life, placing a particular emphasis on the dignity and beauty of Black women.
Historical Significance of the Archives
Gates has a deep-seated connection to the Johnson Publishing Company archives, which include the historic magazines Ebony and Jet. Having served as their steward for nearly a decade, Gates is profoundly aware of the cultural impact these publications have had. “These publications amplified the dignity and the life of Black folk,” he remarked during a recent interview, underlining how such imagery served not just as reflections of Black life, but as empowering declarations of humanity.
Merging Past and Present
By selecting roughly 20 images from the archives and pairing them with portraits from Howard Simmons, a pioneering photographer who contributed to Ebony and Jet, Gates strives to breathe new life into these historic artifacts. “These images are not just historic artifacts,” he explains. “They are the foundational images of Black life.” In recontextualizing them, Gates invites viewers to engage with the legacies embedded within these visuals, urging them to reflect on both the past and present of Black identity.
Art as a Connector
Louise Bernard, the director of the center’s museum, emphasizes the integral role of art in the Obama legacy. “We know that art is such a great connector,” she stated, noting how it engages people and encourages fresh perspectives. The Obama Presidential Center aims to activate the entire site with art that invites dialogue, creativity, and communal engagement, creating a unique experience unlike any other presidential center.
Diverse Artistic Activations
Beyond Gates’ frieze, the campus will host a variety of artistic activations. Collaborations between artists include multimedia installations that intertwine textile and sound traditions rooted in Black and Indigenous cultures. For instance, artists Cave and Marie Watt will work together on a project for the museum lobby. Additionally, artist Jenny Holzer will honor Civil Rights-era Freedom Riders using text derived from FBI files, while Nekisha Durrett’s reimagining of Harriet Tubman’s shawl will be brought to life through hand-painted ceramic tiles in the Tubman courtyard.
A Snapshot of Contemporary American Art
The range of commissions reflects a vibrant spectrum of American artists working across different disciplines, arriving at a crucial moment for the arts, especially for artists of color. Each project adds a layer of meaning to the center, offering visitors various entry points to engage with the narratives surrounding Black history and contemporary issues.
A Living Archive
Gates’ frieze serves as more than just an artwork; it acts as a living archive. Positioned in a public gathering space, it invites every passerby to engage with the stories that have long been part of the South Side’s history. Rather than merely looking back, it encourages everyone to see what has always existed in the community—and to contemplate their roles within that ongoing narrative.
As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors, the convergence of art, culture, and history promises a remarkable platform for connection, conversation, and reflection for both the South Side community and visitors from around the world.