Staff Visit Chazen Exhibit re:mancipation

On Friday May 19th, several Orion staff members took a trip to the Chazen Museum in downtown Madison to view a new exhibit entitled re:mancipation.

re:mancipation is a collaborative project that has undertaken a two-year study of Emancipation Group and its complex history, while cultivating a more nuanced understanding of our nation and ourselves. On February 4, 2023, the Chazen Museum of Art, artist Sanford Biggers, and MASK Consortium debuted the results of this intense examination as an exhibition, documentary, and website that will provide audiences with an intimate look at the project’s directive to address social justice and equity through artistic interpretation. re:mancipation encompasses the reimagining of the Chazen’s problematic Thomas Ball sculpture Emancipation Group, the repositioning of additional objects in the museum’s collection, creation of a new artwork by Biggers, as well as new research, archival, and educational materials.

After the tour staff went to the UW Alumni Terrace where they enjoyed delicious food from Marie’s Soul Food, music and each other’s company while discussing events and reflecting on the exhibit. Most found the exhibit thought provoking and were surprised to learn about what has happened in Wisconsin and the role our state played in civil rights history.

The exhibit runs until June 25th and is free to the public. We encourage you to view the exhibit and learn something new!