Since 1975, Chicago-based photographer Dawoud Bey has developed a body of work distinguished for its commitment to portraiture as means for understanding contemporary social circumstances. Ranging from chance street encounters to studio portraits, Bey has investigated a range of methods to find increased engagement with his subjects, and the resulting candor and expression such images convey. The Renaissance Society is pleased to present a career survey of Bey’s work, including a new chapter of Strangers/Community featuring portraits of individuals from Hyde Park, Chicago, home to both the University of Chicago and the artist.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue and travel to Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami; The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, and McDonough Museum of Art, Youngstown State University.
This exhibition has been made possible through generous support from the David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation and the Harper Court Arts Council. Additional sponsors include Jack and Sandra Guthman, Deone Jackman, Janis Kanter and Tom McCormick, Michael Alper and Helyn Goldenberg, Barbara Fosco and Paul Klein.