Who Says Postcard

How do artists, artworks, and museums shape and challenge our understanding of the past?

In 2020-2021, Northwestern University’s Block Museum of Art celebrates its

The Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208 FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

40th anniversary. Leading up to this milestone, The Block introduced a major initiative to acquire works of art that encourage critical thinking about the representation of history. This initiative culminates with "Who Says, Who Shows, What Counts," an exhibition inviting visitors to think critically about how artists, artworks, and museums engage with narratives of the past.

Highlighting more than 80 modern and contemporary artworks recently acquired by The Block, the exhibition considers our constantly changing understanding of the past through the lens of artistic practice. It features works by a wide-ranging selection of artists exploring the idea of history, such as Dawoud Bey, Shan Goshorn, the Guerrilla Girls, Louise Lawler, Kerry James Marshall, Catherine Opie, Walid Raad, Man Ray, Edward Steichen, and Kara Walker.

An accompanying publication deepens the exhibition’s exploration of The Block’s collection. Showcasing the depth and breadth of recent acquisitions, more than 50 short essays reflect the perspectives of over 20 different academic units. Including voices from students, alumni, faculty, and staff, both the book and exhibition reflect on the ways in which art can facilitate multidisciplinary connections, ask challenging questions, and help us to envision new futures.

Explore exhibition artworks, themes, and program schedule: https://bit.ly/WSWSWC-BLOCK

www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu (847) 491-4000 Hours Fall 2021: Wed. 12-8, Thurs.-Sun. 12-5 Closed Monday & Tuesday @nublockmuseum

This exhibition is supported by the Alumnae of Northwestern University, the David C. & Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, and the Mary and Leigh Block Endowment. Front Image: Victor Diop, Juan de Pareja, 2014. Pigment inkjet print.

Purchased with funds from the Irwin and Andra S. Press Collection Endowment, 2016.9.2. Image courtesy of the artist and MAGNIN-A, Paris.

Exhibition publication now available ISBN 978-1-7325684-2-6 | $25.00