The Brooklyn Museum will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with Drawing America: US@250, a season of exhibitions, installations, tours and public programs examining American history, civic engagement and social movements.
The season began May 1 with Common Sense, an exhibition that runs through Nov. 8 in the museum's Beaux-Arts Court. The exhibition presents writings by Thomas Paine alongside contemporary artworks that explore themes including racial equality, immigration justice and women's rights.
Additional installations include Donald Moffett: IMPEACH, an immersive sound installation built around a 1998 speech by civil rights leader and former U.S. Rep. John Lewis.
"As our country approaches 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we aim to mark this milestone with care and reflection, recognizing both the progress made and the work still to be done in realizing the ideals at the heart of our democracy," said Anne Pasternak, the Shelby White and Leon Levy Director. "Through Drawing America: US@250, we take this opportunity to invite thoughtful engagement with the histories we inherit and the futures we imagine."
The museum's observance of the nation's semiquincentennial brings a wide range of programming to Brooklyn audiences. New commissions by artists Donald Moffett and Maynard Monroe, collection works by contemporary artists, and a series of educational experiences connect historical events with issues that continue to shape public life today.
Among the season's featured installations is What season is it, America?, a lobby presentation by poet and photographer Keith Yamashita featuring eight fabric banners that pair poetry and photography. Artist Stephen Powers, also known as ESPO, will open a Free Speech Factory Outlet pop-up in the museum shop featuring limited-edition signs designed for the project.
Drawing America: US@250 will conclude Oct. 23 with a daylong symposium, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Artists Reimagining American Democracy, examining the role of artists in shaping contemporary American culture and civic life.
Visitors can find a complete calendar of Drawing America: US@250 events and updates on the Brooklyn Museum website.
