Although the show’s title, Chosen Memories, may afford its artists greater agency, it also illustrates the challenging terrain of ongoing debates concerning cultural preservation, identity, and the multifaceted narratives that shape our understanding of the region. MoMA’s exhibition reminds us how important it is to actively engage with history, not only as a passive observer but as an agent of transformation, working towards a future that reflects our collective values and aspirations.
The works in The Last of Animal Builders, selected from the Thoma Foundation’s collection and several Chicago-based artists, open a dialogue between the artists and our iconic Mies van der Rohe–designed home and surroundings.