Theaster
Gates
Theaster
Gates
Gates
The proteiform work of Theaster Gates, which includes sculptures, performances, installations and interventions in urban spaces, is deeply linked to his social engagement. By taking an active role in urbanism, cultural planning and mediation within the community, he designs development projects particularly in the poor neighbourhoods of Chicago.
According to Gates, this “real estate art” draws its strength in a circular ecological system, whereby building renovation projects are funded by the sale of sculptures made from materials salvaged from the buildings themselves. Fire pumps, carts and concrete are equally abandoned objects that become fertile materials whose symbolic and historic potential is expressed by the artist.
The work of Theaster Gates was first shown by the Pinault Collection at the “Prima Materia” (“Raw Material”) exhibition. A number of retrospectives have been dedicated to his work, like those at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in 2013. He was awarded the Artes Mundi 6 prize in 2015.
According to Gates, this “real estate art” draws its strength in a circular ecological system, whereby building renovation projects are funded by the sale of sculptures made from materials salvaged from the buildings themselves. Fire pumps, carts and concrete are equally abandoned objects that become fertile materials whose symbolic and historic potential is expressed by the artist.
The work of Theaster Gates was first shown by the Pinault Collection at the “Prima Materia” (“Raw Material”) exhibition. A number of retrospectives have been dedicated to his work, like those at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in 2013. He was awarded the Artes Mundi 6 prize in 2015.
