The year was 1991. Chicago art professor Nick Cave watched the TV in agony as Rodney King was brutalized in the streets, and then the cops who beat King were exonerated.
“So many things were going through my head,” he explained later. “How do I exist in a place that sees me as a threat?” His artistic response shook the art world.
His signature work was born—the “soundsuit.” Massive, colorful, dynamic costumes that obscure the wearer’s race, and gender, they’re an expression of anxiety about identity as a Black person in America.
They immediately blew up the art world.
His performances include dance and music, and address racism, gun violence, and LGBTQ issues.
And beyond reflecting those experiences, they also reach back into African heritage—many of the soundsuits have similarities to traditional African spiritual dance, such as the dance of Zangbeto in southern Benin.
Cave also sees his role as a teacher and nurturer of young talent.
In addition to projects with Chicago Public Schools youth, he also has “The Facility,” a massive studio and performance space that also invites young artists to develop their skills.
Sometimes we’re at a loss with what to do to respond to injustice and oppression. Nick Cave’s fantastical artwork shows that whatever our lane, whatever our talents, we can use them to push culture forward and work for Black liberation!