Americans sing of “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” but what’s the rest of the story? Works by Jamaican-born artist Nari Ward encourage the audience to grapple with the promise and the pain of America from the perspective of its huddled masses. His sculptures, often using found objects in fresh and even humorous ways, illuminate the mythos that draws people to this country while conceptually juxtaposing the realities of living in it. In the process, they encourage audiences to hold the nation accountable to what it imagines itself to be, not as performative critique but as a critical act of love. Ward, who immigrated to the United States at age 12, was awarded the Vilcek Prize in Fine Arts in 2017.

Nari Ward: Home of the Brave is open by appointment only. Appointments may be made by emailing exhibitions@vilcek.org. Visitors are required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19, and must wear a mask at all times.

Download exhibition program