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I’m really excited for the opportunity to work alongside @the_maya_nguyen @chiangkaichun and @bethany_cordero as artist/curatorial residents w/ @cacoalition this year.

Grateful for a team of people to be in intimate creative study with for the next two years. What a journey to be on in good company.

Thank you to the CAC team for all the hard work and loving support in this process.

"It Will Destroy You" has been featured by @hyperallergic as one of 10 Exhibitions to See in Chicago This Spring!

This show, curated by the incredible @samiahfulcher and @isaiahleeart, was built from the ground up by Chicago artists asking hard questions about the world we're living in right now and imagining what might come next.

We are so grateful for every artist, every visitor, and every conversation this exhibition has sparked. If you haven't made it in yet, now is the time to see it before it closes on April 19.

https://hyperallergic.com/10-exhibitions-to-see-in-chicago-this-spring/

We invite you to join us for a artist talk discussing our current exhibition “It Will Destroy You” moderated by curators @samiahfulcher and @isaiahleeart

Featured Artists: @debsokolow @robertburnier @thevanpayne

6:00 - 6:30 PM Welcome
6:30 - 7:30 PM Moderated Discussion
7:30 - 8:00 PM Artist Q&A
8:00 - 9:00 PM Exhibition Viewing

"It Will Destroy You" brings together works by contemporary artists who interrogate the deconstruction of systems and structures that have long governed our lives. Through painting, sculpture, installation, and video, the exhibition reflects on themes of self-preservation and reconciliation as we navigate what the curators describe as a "crumbling socio-political landscape built on violence, greed, corruption, and brutality."

The exhibition features work by Michelle Alexander, Lauren Bertelson, Matias Brimmer, Robert Burnier,Alison Campbell, Zach Dobbins, Rea-Silvia Emmanouil, Sophia Farmer, Figwürm, Shanti Grandhi, Chloe Harthan, Sascha Huth, Melanie L. Johnson, Diada Amiri Jones, Rohen Jones, César López, Colin Martinez, Van Payne, Dylan Rabe, Austin Reilly, James Ross Servantz, Ethan Shay-Cowell, Deb Sokolow

We invite you to join us tomorrow for the opening of "It Will Destroy You" at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.

This exhibition brings together 23 contemporary artists whose works interrogate the deconstruction of systems and structures that have long governed our lives. Through painting, sculpture, installation, and video, the show reflects on themes of self-preservation and reconciliation as we navigate what curators Isaiah Lee and Samiah Fulcher describe as a "crumbling socio-political landscape built on violence, greed, corruption, and brutality."

In a climate of uncertainty and upheaval, "It Will Destroy You" challenges us to consider alternative visions of co-existence that possess the strength to outlive any empire. The works presented spark critical conversation about not only our current moment but the future we can create together.

Participating artists:
ROBERT BURNIER @ROBERTBURNIER
DEB SOKOLOW @DEBSOKOLOW
SASCHA HUTH @AT.HUTH
ZACH DOBBINS @ZACHDOBBINSART
DIADA AMIRI @WHEREDASIDEWALKENDS
MICHELLE ALEXANDER @MICHELLE.ALEXANDER.ART
SHANTI GRANDHI @SHANTIGRANDHI
ETHAN SHAY-COWELL @E.SHAYCOWELL
MATIAS BRIMMER @BRIMMER.MATIAS
COLIN MARTINEZ @C0LINMARTINEZ
VAN PAYNE @THEVANPAYNE
REA-SILVIA EMMANOUIL @REASILVIA.ART
DYLAN RABE @PROSOMANIA
CESAR LOPEZ @YOUNGBAUHAUS
CHLOE HARTHAN @CHLOWEE
LAUREN BERTELSON @LAUREN_BERTELSON
JAMES ROSS SERVANTZ @JIMMYSERVANTZ
FIGWURM @FIGWURM
MELANIE L JOHNSON @MELANIE.L.JOHNSON
SOPHIA FARMER @PHIFARMER
ALISON CAMPBELL @AL.INDEX
AUSTIN REILLY @AUSTINKREILLY
ROHEN JONES @ROHENJONES

📅 Exhibition: February 13 – April 19, 2026
💬 Artist Talk: Friday, March 6, 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art

Image: Melanie L. Johnson, "Garden of Bewilderment," 2024, Charcoal on Arches, 96” x 104”

UPCOMING EXHIBITION: “It Will Destroy You” curated by Samiah Fulcher and Isaiah Lee from February 13 - April 19, 2026

“It Will Destroy You” brings together works by contemporary artists who interrogate the deconstruction of systems and structures that have long governed our lives. Through painting, sculpture, installation, and video, the exhibition reflects on themes of self-preservation and reconciliation as we navigate what the curators describe as a “crumbling socio-political landscape built on violence, greed, corruption, and brutality.”

The exhibition features work by Michelle Alexander, Lauren Bertelson, Matias Brimmer, Robert Burnier,Alison Campbell, Zach Dobbins, Rea-Silvia Emmanouil, Sophia Farmer, Figwürm, Shanti Grandhi, Chloe Harthan, Sascha Huth, Melanie L. Johnson, Diada Amiri Jones, Rohen Jones, César López, Colin Martinez, Van Payne, Dylan Rabe, Austin Reilly, James Ross Servantz, Ethan Shay-Cowell, Deb Sokolow

Please note that the institute will be closed from February 2 -12 for the installation of our upcoming exhibition, “It Will Destroy You.”

Opening Reception: February 13, 6 - 9 pm

Participating artists:
ROBERT BURNIER @ROBERTBURNIER
DEB SOKOLOW @DEBSOKOLOW
SASCHA HUTH @AT.HUTH
ZACH DOBBINS @ZACHDOBBINSART
DIADA AMIRI @WHEREDASIDEWALKENDS
MICHELLE ALEXANDER @MICHELLE.ALEXANDER.ART
SHANTI GRANDHI @SHANTIGRANDHI
ETHAN SHAY-COWELL @E.SHAYCOWELL
MATIAS BRIMMER @BRIMMER.MATIAS
COLIN MARTINEZ @C0LINMARTINEZ
VAN PAYNE @THEVANPAYNE
REA-SILVIA EMMANOUIL @REASILVIA.ART
DYLAN RABE @PROSOMANIA
CESAR LOPEZ @YOUNGBAUHAUS
CHLOE HARTHAN @CHLOWEE
LAUREN BERTELSON @LAUREN_BERTELSON
JAMES ROSS SERVANTZ @JIMMYSERVANTZ
FIGWURM @FIGWURM
MELANIE L JOHNSON @MELANIE.L.JOHNSON
SOPHIA FARMER @PHIFARMER
ALISON CAMPBELL @AL.INDEX
AUSTIN REILLY @AUSTINKREILLY
ROHEN JONES @ROHENJONES

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

crazy year. legendary run.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Profoundly grateful to be looking back on this documentation by @photosbymck for the intimate group exhibition that was “In A Child’s Place.”

I’m closing out 2025 in quiet reflection on this opportunity to curate for @purplewindowgallery one of my favorite spaces in @manacontemporary_chicago and sitting with the gift of each artist’s work/story informing the process.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

As I sit here I’m reminded of the artist talk we hosted last Friday, where I was lovingly called in on a question I had asked about this time of “rest” or “break” we associate with the winter season. There was a resounding sense that despite the “theme” of this time of year a lot of our WORK is only beginning. So rather than putting our work down, we acknowledge the necessity for the form of our work to change. Meeting the cold of the outer world with an imperative for deep introspection. Using this time not to stop but turn. More, inward from, as opposed to, towards, the world. Like nature collecting its energy for itself — in slow steady preparation for the spring.

Thank you to @wheredasidewalkends @c0linmartinez and @isaiahleeart for much needed de-install support and to every artist that made this show possible.

None of us are stepping away necessarily with the luxury of “slowing down” this season, but there’s a clear sense of moving ahead differently, more deliberately.

Carrying that with me into 2026, my return to academia, application season, and the preparation for my next exhibition co-curated w/ @isaiahleeart in February @uimachicago — moving slow and steady.

Join us this coming Friday in celebration of the closing reception for “In A Child’s Place”, curated by Samiah Fulcher. The closing will feature a panel discussion with featured artists Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart Ahmad George @ahmad__studios and Mack Baker @__mackbaker. Hope to see you there!

Friday, December 5, 2025 6-8 PM.
Mana Contemporary Chicago
@manacontemporary_chicago
2233 S. Throop St. Chicago, IL 60608

In A Child’s Place stands as a retrospective exhibition —placing emphasis on the reinterpretation of childhood and adolescence, informed by the distortions of trauma, grief, and time. It invites artists and viewers alike to consider and reconsider the malleability of memory and the enduring presence of the past.

Through sculpture, painting, and audiovisual installation, the featured artists frame the organic process of revising history as an embodied experience of complex and increasingly fragile memory work—tracing how personal histories are drafted, redacted, and returned to over time.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

Thank you for celebrating the opening of “In A Child’s Place”, curated by Samiah Fulcher @samiahfulcher

Friday, November 7, 2025 6-9 PM.
Mana Contemporary Chicago
@manacontemporary_chicago
2233 S. Throop St. Chicago, IL 60608

In A Child’s Place stands as a retrospective exhibition —placing emphasis on the reinterpretation of childhood and adolescence, informed by the distortions of trauma, grief, and time. It invites artists and viewers alike to consider and reconsider the malleability of memory and the enduring presence of the past.

Through sculpture, painting, and audiovisual installation, the featured artists frame the organic process of revising history as an embodied experience of complex and increasingly fragile memory work—tracing how personal histories are drafted, redacted, and returned to over time.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

Join us in celebrating the opening of “In A Child’s Place”, curated by Samiah Fulcher @samiahfulcher

Friday, November 7, 2025 6-9 PM.
Mana Contemporary Chicago
@manacontemporary_chicago
2233 S. Throop St. Chicago, IL 60608

In A Child’s Place stands as a retrospective exhibition —placing emphasis on the reinterpretation of childhood and adolescence, informed by the distortions of trauma, grief, and time. It invites artists and viewers alike to consider and reconsider the malleability of memory and the enduring presence of the past.

Through sculpture, painting, and audiovisual installation, the featured artists frame the organic process of revising history as an embodied experience of complex and increasingly fragile memory work—tracing how personal histories are drafted, redacted, and returned to over time.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces

Purple Window Gallery is collecting donations to support our community through the @pilsen_food_pantry!

You can help by bringing any of the following items to PWG on November 7, 6PM -9PM during opening hours for our upcoming exhibition and during gallery hours throughout the month of November. @manacontemporary_chicago

I’ve been writing exhibition statements for the last few months like my life depends on it but I’m sharing this one because it’s short and sweet and this exhibition, In A Child’s Place, featuring the work of some really talented people is THIS Friday @manacontemporary_chicago

In the intimate space that is @purplewindowgallery our opening reception will be from 6-9 PM.

2233 S Throop St.
Chicago, IL 60608
Room 845

Come back on Sunday from 2-4 PM if you like poetry and want to hear from the artists themselves writing and reading in reflection on this show’s themes of childhood, transition, and the distorting nature of time.

We’ll also be collecting donations ($$ and food items) for the @pilsen_food_pantry opening night and during weekly gallery hours this month. Between ICE raids wreaking havoc on Chicago neighborhoods and families, increased police presence throughout the city, and suspension of SNAP benefits, supporting local resource hubs that take care of the communities we’re in is essential.

Please donate what you can if you can.
Hope to see you there <3

Join us in celebrating the opening of “In A Child’s Place”, curated by Samiah Fulcher @samiahfulcher

Friday, November 7, 2025 6-9 PM.
Mana Contemporary Chicago
@manacontemporary_chicago
2233 S. Throop St. Chicago, IL 60608

In A Child’s Place stands as a retrospective exhibition —placing emphasis on the reinterpretation of childhood and adolescence, informed by the distortions of trauma, grief, and time. It invites artists and viewers alike to consider and reconsider the malleability of memory and the enduring presence of the past.

Through sculpture, painting, and audiovisual installation, the featured artists frame the organic process of revising history as an embodied experience of complex and increasingly fragile memory work—tracing how personal histories are drafted, redacted, and returned to over time.

Isaiah Lee @isaiahleeart
Isaiah Ward @isaiahwrd
Kevin Eisenstein @eisensteinkevin
Ava Peterson @artbyavapeterson
Ahmad George @ahmad__studios
Diada Amiri @wheredasidewalkends
Samira Henninge @fromsamira
Mack Baker @__mackbaker
Ladipo Famodu @astro_afro
Xiao Fara DaCunha @xiaochineseart
Autumn Horwath @domestic_spaces