“What were you meant for?” is an art exhibition that delves deep into the world of film to uncover the seldom-seen layers of Black male identity. It navigates a tapestry of scenes that bring to the forefront the poignant battles between vulnerability and societal expectations, challenging the confining boxes of toxic masculinity. Through curated cinematic moments, the exhibition forces viewers to confront their own biases and question ingrained beliefs about strength, resilience, and emotional depth.

“Deceive the Heavens to Cross the Seas” is composed of videos from McLean Fahnestock’s Stratagem series, where the sea and sky flip and merge to generate a new, seductive yet false horizon. Stratagems are plans or schemes that are designed to deceive. Usually referring to warfare, they are a well-executed artifice upon an enemy. Working with her interest in desire as it manifests in the landscape, these works present the ways that our desires can open a door to our ultimate deception. 

Portraits of a rainy street in the Former French Concession, ships on the Huangpu River and people in Fuxing Park, culminate in Summer in Shanghai, a series about finding connections during uncertain times.

Portraits of a rainy street in the Former French Concession, ships on the Huangpu River and people in Fuxing Park, culminate in Summer in Shanghai, a series about finding connections during uncertain times.

After viewing Ezra Johnson’s film What Visions Burn, on view in Selected Animations in the Screening Room, participants will spend some time reflecting on an exciting story from their life.

Using four pre-cut squares, participants will create a four-panel storyboard to share with the group.