The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., unveiled a new exhibit entitled "This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s" recently. Running through June, this retro-styled showing focuses on issues of politics, gender and gay rights. The exhibit runs through Sunday, June 3.
The 1980s ran the gamut, from the election of Ronald Reagan to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and all is covered with over 130 works. Each room is divided into thematic sections while covering history.
At the opening, Chief Curator Helen Molesworth spoke of the discovery of AIDS in 1981 that began a medical crisis that turned into a political crisis. Artists came into the forefront during this time period and were heavily involved both for political and personal reasons. One was David Wojnarowiczwho, after being diagnosed with HIV, created a work with a herd of buffalo falling off a cliff comparing the same treatment to the government allowing people to plummet to their deaths.
Gran Fury's "Kissing Doesn't Kill" sign is symbolically placed high on the wall to discourage graffiti, as it was defaced in moments of protest in the past.
Also featured, spotlighting the emergence of queer cinema, are periodic showings of films including Tongues Untied and Fast Trip, Long Drop.
To see this influential decade 30 years later is an opportunity not to be missed. Visit www.mcachicago.org for more information.
Also, check out operatic singer Diamanda Galas, who is performing two concerts Feb. 23 and 25 downstairs at the same venue in conjunction with the exhibit entitled "Were You There When The Crucified My Lord?," bringing attention to people living with the AIDS virus.
Text and photos by Jerry Nunn