Voices Embodied Exhibition Explores Empathetic Futures
On view at the Design Museum of Chicago through October 13, Voices Embodied: Reverberations explores individual and societal barriers, particularly in reference to disability. Now in its fifth iteration, the show suggests ways to reimagine how inclusivity and awareness can lead to a more empathic future where all voices and experiences are equally valued.
On July 24, the show’s curator Alex Stark (BFA 2016) (who also works as a disability advisor in the Wellness Center) appeared on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago to discuss the exhibit, which brings together 18 artists and designers from around the world. Of these artists, seven are School of the Art Institute of Chicago community members: Professor Anke Loh, Admissions Counselor Yimei (Emair) Zhu (MFA 2023), Lecturer Jonas Müller-Ahlheim (MFA 2023), Justin Dougan-LeBlanc (MA 2012), Gabriel Chalfin-Piney (MA ’20), Libby Evan (MFA 2024), and Bri Beck (MA 2019). “Bringing these artists together, and seeing all these artists work around [the themes], has really been important to me,” said Stark. Stark was also interviewed about the “vibrant exhibit” for Newcity Chicago, in conversation with alum Vasia Rigou (MA 2015).
SAIC grad student Nitya Mehrotra creates a platform for abuse survivors.
Photo Credit: Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune
Nitya Mehrotra, left, an artist programming assistant at Urban Gateways, helps works with student Dejah Ajavi on an audio recording during a media arts class on June 25, 2024, in Chicago. Mehrotra is graduate student at School of the Art Institute of Chicago who founded an online support community called Stories by Strangers that lets survivors of mental and sexual abuse share their narratives in their own way.