Kara Walker

In the spring of 2023, Glenstone presented a selection of artworks by American artist Kara Walker (b. 1969) in Room 1 of the Pavilions and outdoors. Spanning many elements of Walker’s multifaceted practice, the works on view included drawing, collage, sculpture, and performance. In the Pavilions, two large-scale works on paper were presented: A Reduction, 2020, and Sketch for an American Comic Opera with 20th century Race Riots, 2012, demonstrating her signature collages and silhouettes, as well as sweeping graphite narratives.

Outdoors, Glenstone mounted Walker’s dynamic sculpture, The Katastwóf Karavan, 2017. Containing a fully operational steam calliope, the sculpture was activated by Walker and jazz pianist and composer Jason Moran on May 19 and May 20, 2023. After these initial performances, the sculpture played music weekly on Saturday afternoons.