I-Thou

A Series of Eleven Portraits

Exhibition in the Kimmel Windows

by Liam Alexander

A Group Exhibition

Works in Dialogue at the Stovall Family Galleries

Curated by Pamela Jean Tinnen

A Conversation Series

Through September at the Kimmel Center

This exhibit, entitled I-THOU, takes its name from Martin Buber, whose work explores the complex relationships humans have with one another; the meaningfulness of these relationships, and the ways in which we understand each other. Like Buber, I've been exploring my own relationship to humanity, and my journey has led me to a new sense of responsibility as an artist to use my voice to speak about what matters most. Martin Luther King said famously:

One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions.

I have been one of those indifferent protectors. Now, I am choosing to contribute to what I believe is important, and it is from this place that I have created my latest body of work. I-THOU: A Series of 11 Portraits, celebrates individuals who have inspired me because they are making a difference and creating a space for social change in our world right now.

I-THOU will also be accompanied by a companion exhibit in the Stovall Family Galleries, located on the 8th floor of Kimmel, entitled I-Thou: Works In Dialogue.

Also, working with a good friend of mine, human rights activist Daisy Bugarin and the Win Collective, we have created a series of programming and conversations around the topics of race, gentrification, Human Rights, Global issues, Migrant rights, and worker's rights. These events will feature some of the individuals and portrait participants, as well as other artists and activists that are involved in working to change the narratives that are surrounding these issues.

My intention is to share the amazing work of these individuals, activists, and artists with you all, and I hope that they will inspire you as much as they have inspired me. I hope that you will join us this September to celebrate these exhibitions, explore these topics, and be a part of the conversation!