American Dream

Exhibition

Exhibition Overview

American Dream
American Dream
Celka Straughn, curator
Gallery 404, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

In conjunction with the KU 2016 Common Book, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, this exhibition draws its inspiration from Coates’s explorations and indictments of the American Dream to further question associated beliefs, struggles, ideas, and representations. Arranged in three sections, the exhibition highlights the diversity within the United States and reimagines what the American Dream means and who may participate.

“In the Dream,” focuses on preconceived notions of the American Dream, which has historically been framed from a white perspective. This includes notions of upward mobility, prosperity, and education. “Contradictions of the Dream” examines how ideas and lived experiences of ‘the Dream’ have excluded many cultures and individuals. This section scrutinizes the economic, social, and racial inequalities plaguing the United States. “Dangers of the Dream” reveals various perils associated with the American Dream, including racism, poverty, violence, and assimilation. The exhibition also features the 2016–2017 Common Work of Art, Beauties: Calpurnia, Bertha Mae, and Lula Bell, by Willie Cole.

The exhibition is organized by first-year students in Dr. Ellen Cordero Raimond’s learning community “Life through a Lens,” First-Year Experience peer mentor Gabby Ale-Ebrahim, and Kassandra Valles, Spencer education and academic programs student assistant. Participating students are: Ronnie Bryant, Mariah Chemali, Erin Dellasega, Lori Fifield, Brad Harris, Jack Hatzfeld, Agustín Hayes, Grant Heiman, and Ian Thomas.

Exhibition images

Works of art

Lou Bernstein (1911–2005), Rainbow
Lou Bernstein (1911–2005)
1969
Ron Borowski, untitled
Ron Borowski
mid 1900s

Events

March 1, 2017
Talk
5:30–7:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art Auditorium, Rm 309, 1301 Mississippi St
April 2, 2017
Talk
2:00–3:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Gallery 318, Jack and Lavon Brosseau Center for Learning
April 23, 2017
Activity
1:00–3:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Gallery 404, Larry and Barbara Marshall Family Balcony
June 17, 2017
Activity
1:00–4:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Gallery 404, Larry and Barbara Marshall Family Balcony