The Pratt Manhattan Gallery is currently presenting a groundbreaking exhibition that celebrates the enduring legacy of pioneering sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois through the lens of contemporary art. "In Our Time: Eleven Artists – W.E.B. Du Bois" brings together an impressive roster of leading contemporary artists, including renowned names such as Derrick Adams, Carrie Mae Weems, and Theaster Gates, all responding to Du Bois's revolutionary work and intellectual contributions.
Curated by Loretta Yarlow, this exhibition represents the second installment in a series dedicated to exploring Du Bois's lasting impact on modern society. The show marks a significant and timely re-engagement with Du Bois's extensive intellectual contributions across multiple fields, including civil rights, history, sociology, art, and activism. Yarlow originally organized "Du Bois In Our Time" in 2013 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which houses the W.E.B. Du Bois Center and its comprehensive archive of his work.
More than a decade later, "In Our Time" has been reimagined and expanded for a new generation that has been shaped by dramatically different sociopolitical circumstances. "The artists featured here engage Du Bois not as a historical figure of the past, but as a radical thinker whose voice continues to resonate urgently and prophetically in today's struggles for justice, truth, and visibility," Yarlow explained. The curator emphasized that the exhibition demonstrates how Du Bois's vision remains as relevant as ever, serving as a powerful call to action for contemporary audiences.
The strategic location of Pratt Manhattan Gallery, with its central prominence in New York City's vibrant contemporary art scene, provides an ideal platform for this ambitious project. The exhibition successfully brings together a diverse range of artistic works that reflect both the significant changes that have occurred over the past decade and the profound continuities that continue to shape our current social and political realities. This dual perspective effectively illustrates how Du Bois's transformative vision maintains its urgency and relevance in today's world.
The artworks featured in the exhibition span an impressive range of media and artistic approaches, from urgent critiques addressing racial injustice and environmental degradation to more contemplative, poetic meditations exploring themes of identity, memory, and historical erasure. Visitors will encounter works in photography, painting, sculpture, video, installations, and text-based interventions, creating a comprehensive and immersive experience that honors the breadth of Du Bois's intellectual legacy.
The eleven participating artists, each recognized as a critical voice in the contemporary art world, offer both individual and collective interpretations of Du Bois's extensive writings, his tireless activism, and his enduring call to action. Their works draw directly from his groundbreaking explorations of double consciousness, his innovative data visualizations documenting Black progress, and his passionate advocacy for women's suffrage and environmental preservation. This multifaceted approach ensures that visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of Du Bois's wide-ranging contributions to American society and beyond.
The complete roster of participating artists includes Angel Abreu/Studio K.O.S., Derrick Adams, Radcliffe Bailey, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Theaster Gates, Jenny Holzer, Julie Mehretu, Ann Messner, Jefferson Pinder, Mickalene Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems. Each artist brings their unique perspective and artistic vision to the project, creating a rich tapestry of contemporary responses to Du Bois's revolutionary ideas and continuing influence.
"In Our Time: Eleven Artists – W.E.B. Du Bois" will remain on display at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery from September 26 through December 20, 2025, providing visitors with ample opportunity to engage with this important exhibition. The gallery will host a public opening reception on Thursday, September 25, from 6 to 8 PM, offering attendees the chance to experience the exhibition in a celebratory atmosphere and engage with fellow art enthusiasts. For additional information about the exhibition and related programming, interested individuals can visit pratt.edu.
