Artist Jitish Kallat | The Art Institute of Chicago
By Claire G. Esker, IPS Student
September 11th is an emotional day in any year. This year, though, it seems to have taken on even more weight, as well as a sense of urgency, with increased media attention on conflict and factionalism. Part of this urgency, though, is an urgent call to reassess our religious dialogue, particularly in light of political realities, in the post-modern world. This is exactly what Indian contemporary artist, Jitish Kallat, seeks to do with his work, Public Notice 3, which is on display at the Art Institute of Chicago from September 11, 2010 to January 2, 2011.
The exhibit commemorates both the tragedy of September 11th, 2001, as well as the First World Parliament of Religions, which was held in the building that now houses the Art Institute on September 11th, 1893. The work is a reinterpretation of a well known address given by the Hindu teacher Swami Vivekananda, calling for unity between faiths. Kallat’s work concentrates on the stark contrasts between the hope of Vivekananda’s original speech and the fear that often characterizes modern religious dialogue.
The exhibition will open on the Grand Staircase of the Art Institute and will be accompanied by a lecture on September 10th, 2010.
Jitish Kallat with the Partial Mock-Up of his Public Notice 3 on the Woman’s Board Grand Staircase of the Art Institute of Chicago | © 2010 The Art Institute of Chicago