The Lincoln Center Art Gallery and the Fort Collins Museum of Art invite you to experience the transformational power of art through Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate. This dynamic exhibition, running January 20- March 18, showcases the diverse work of 39 artists who have transformed thousands of anti-Semitic and racist books into a visually powerful, thought-provoking, and ultimately deeply moving exhibition.
In 2004, a defecting leader of the “Creativity Movement” (one of the most virulent white supremacist hate groups in the nation) presented the Montana Human Rights Network with 4, 000 volumes of their “bibles” — books promoting extreme anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and racist ideologies.
In partnership with the Network, the Holter Museum of Art invited artists across the country to respond to, integrate, or transform the books in provocative ways. The resulting exhibition Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate — which opened at the Holter Museum in Helena, Montana, in 2008 – has been traveling to museums around the country.
Artworks from the exhibition will be on view at both The Lincoln Center Art Gallery and the Fort Collins Museum of Art. There will be an opening reception at The Lincoln Center on Thursday, January 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Curator Katie Knight and artist Lisa Jarrett will give a brief introduction to the exhibit at 6:00 p.m.
In conjunction with the exhibit, multiple community programs are also being offered – including special guest speaker Nate Phelps, a series of films, panel discussions, a special film and talkback event with DJ Spooky, a story time and a book club meeting. See more details below.
Topics raised by the artworks and community programs are intended to spur community-wide reflection and dialogue on the possibility of transformation from a spirit of hatred and discrimination, toward one of love and justice.
This exhibition is sponsored by Montana Human Rights Network and organized by Curator Katie Knight.
Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate Community Programs
Special Guest Speaker Nate Phelps: Not My Father’s Son
Sunday, February 26 | 2:00 p.m. | Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre | $5 Admission (Tickets available January 13th at LCTIX.COM)
Nate Phelps, son of Westboro Baptist Church Founder Fred Phelps, shares his own story of transformation from growing up in an environment of religious indoctrination, hate and homophobia to being an active LGBT advocate with a world-view that is based in reason and science. Tickets available at LCtix.com.
Panel Discussions — Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre — Free Admission
Curator’s Talk with “Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate” Curator Katie Knight and artist Lisa Jarett Friday, January 20 | 6:00 p.m.
Racism: What Does it Matter? Thursday, March 2 | 7:00 p.m.
Civil Discourse: Let’s Make America Talk Again Thursday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m.
Film Series — Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre — Free Admission
Art in the 21st Century: Compassion
Tuesday, January 24 | 7:30 p.m.
Delve into the work of artists William Kentridge, Doris Salcedo, and Carrie Mae Weems as they explore conscience and the possibility of understanding and reconciling past and present, while exposing injustice and expressing tolerance for others.
Art in the 21st Century: History
Tuesday, February 7 | 7:30 p.m.
Artists Marina Abramovic, Glenn Ligon and Mary Reid Kelley discuss how they play with historical events, explore and expose commonly held assumptions about historic ‘truth, ’ and create narratives based on personal experiences.
Desplazado
Wednesday, March 8 | 7:30 p.m.
Produced by Fort Collins residents, Shari Due and Mona Maser, “Desplazado” looks at the impacts of racism and gentrification on the Tres Colonias neighborhoods of Fort Collins.
Art in the 21st Century: Change
Tuesday, March 14 | 7:30 p.m.
Artists Ai Weiwei, El Anatsui and Catherine Opie consider ways in which they act as agents of change and the aesthetic choices they make to respond to and engage with a world in flux.
DJ Spooky’s ReBirth of a Nation
Thursday, January 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre | $20 Admission
Through the art of remixing, DJ Spooky transforms the infamously racist film The Birth of a Nation into a powerful expression of civil rights and freedom. Post-film discussion with DJ Spooky. Contains mature themes. Buy Tickets here.
Fort Collins Museum of Art Events
FCMOA’s Storytime
Wednesday, January 25 | 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Renate Justin shares her experience as a child refugee of the Holocaust through the eyes of her doll in her children’s book, “The Long Journey.” Regular admission pricing.
FCMOA Book Club
Thursday, March 16 | 6:00 p.m.
Meet at FCMOA to discuss Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me.” Bring a dish to share for a potluck discussion. Admission is free. Register at www.ftcma.org. This book is available at the FCMOA Museum Shop beginning January 20.