The RISD Museum is excited to present “Listen!”, an exhibition featuring 30 historical and contemporary works on paper. Curated by the RISD Art Circle (RAC), a group of high school artists and art enthusiasts from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the exhibition opened on July 6, 2024, and will be on view until January 5, 2025.
Since its inception in 2014, RAC has provided teens with unique opportunities to collaborate with curators and museum staff. This exhibition marks their most ambitious project to date. The RAC members, guided by Christina Alderman, Director of Family and Teen Programs, and Conor Moynihan, Associate Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, curated the show based on their own ideas and experiences. The group meets most Saturdays from late September to early June, and high school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year are eligible to apply.
Christina Alderman emphasized the innovative approach of the exhibition: “We wanted the exhibition to be driven by their ideas from the start. We believed that experience is a form of knowledge and that the teens already had what they needed to curate a meaningful exhibition.”
The RAC members delved into the museum’s collection to select works that they found urgent and powerful, aiming to offer hope for the future. They shared personal reflections, poems, and memories on the labels throughout the galleries, using pseudonyms to sign their contributions. The exhibition reflects their individual journeys and diverse interpretations of the artworks.
Conor Moynihan praised the collaborative effort: “It was thrilling to work with the RAC members on this project. They have activated the gallery with a vibrant and compelling installation that welcomes visitors to sit down and hang out. Their selections bring together work by a diverse range of artists, including Julie Mehretu, Nelson Stephens, Meredith Stern, and Jazzmen Lee-Johnson.”
Director Tsugumi Maki highlighted the exhibition’s significance: “Listen! is a powerful example of how we translate our values into action. This exhibition is a reminder that art isn’t just for the select few but for everyone. It’s a platform where diverse voices can be heard, new ideas can flourish, and a more inclusive and meaningful future can be imagined.”
Established in 1877, the RISD Museum stewards works of art representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. The museum focuses on the maker and engages deeply with art and artists, presenting ideas and perspectives that are both inspiring and complex. The RISD Museum is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment and confronting racism and injustice in its many forms.
The exhibition was curated by RAC members Abigail, Alaina, Audrey, Brenna, Deliska, Hope, Jasmine, Joshua, Lena, Olivia, Rayna, Seoyon, Tamar, Toby, and Viva, in partnership with RAC staff Graciela Batista, Mindy Ji, Sherly Torres, and Gina Vestuti, as well as Christina Alderman and Conor Moynihan.
For more information, visit risdmuseum.org or call 401-454-6500.