WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, announced a new year-long collaboration with The New Vanguard, a Chicago-based creative coalition dedicated to supporting and uplifting BIPOC creatives. Designed to amplify the experience of the museum, the partnership will feature four artists across visual and fashion mediums over the course of the year, giving each artist seven weeks to share their work, story and impact with WNDR Museum visitors through a variety of touchpoints including panel discussions, custom merchandise, special events and more.
Image courtesy of Filmm, @_filmm42
Kicking off “Creatives of Color” on Friday, February 3, celebrated artist and Hyde Park native Nikko Washington will debut his new installation, titled “Battle Royale,” designed to immerse the viewer in monumental moments within the world of boxing through visual, auditory and physical artworks. As a trained martial artist himself, Washington uses boxing to personify how athletes are both glorified and dehumanized, leaving the viewer with a deeper connection to the push and pull of the physical and mental discipline it takes to overcome the fight.
The installation centers on boxing bags that have become the canvas while visitors hear the sounds of iconic boxing matches throughout history. Washington's particular aesthetic has allowed him to excel both directly in his own individual works as well as in his role as the artistic director for Chicago hip-hop collective, Savemoney. Former partnerships include Nike, Chicago Cubs, Google, New Era, Soho House, Showtime and more.
Following Washington’s installation, the additional featured artists include fashion designer Alex Carter beginning in March, “calligraffiti” Artist Timothy Tubs beginning in May and fine artist Shani Crowezilla in July.
"At The New Vanguard, we believe Creatives of Color are responsible for the popular cultural narrative we all engage with and benefit from,” said Pilar McQuirter, Chief of Strategy & Operations, The New Vanguard. “As their work gains visibility, it’s imperative they aren’t viewed as a commodity, but rather centered and supported in their work. We're excited to have strong partners that enable us to continue doing just that."
Furthering The New Vanguard’s mission to unify creatives of color and provide resources that accelerate their craft, this partnership allows opportunities for the featured artists to scale their platforms and build authentic and inclusive narratives, each driving their artistic vision from curation to installation.
“At WNDR Museum, we’re always pursuing the opportunity to deepen our roots in our home city of Chicago and we’re thrilled to collaborate with The New Vanguard to provide a platform for such incredible Chicago artists with powerful, essential messages to share,” said David Allen, Creative Director for WNDR Museum. “Art in its many forms is designed to open the door for emotive connection, and we’re honored to display these installations that will uplift each artist’s diverse personal narratives to shed light and spark conversation on topics of inclusivity and history.”
WNDR Museum is Chicago’s premier art and technology experience. As guests travel through the space, they are taken on a multi-dimensional journey in which they serve as an extension of each creator by interacting with various installations. In addition to the latest programming, there are more than 20 installations at WNDR Chicago that awaken guests’ senses throughout WNDR’s mind-blowing experiences.
Open seven days a week, WNDR Museum was recently voted one of the top five immersive art experiences in the country by USA Today’s 2022 Reader Poll. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, with a recently opened location in San Diego and upcoming locations in Seattle, Boston and more, WNDR disrupts and redefines the traditional museum experience by inviting guests to fully engage with the artworks and multi-sensory installations. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For more information, visit www.wndrmuseum.com and follow WNDR Museum on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
About WNDR Museum
WNDR Museum is Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience located in the city’s West Loop neighborhood at 1130 W. Monroe St with additional locations scheduled to open in San Diego, Boston, Seattle and more to be announced. Filled with interactive artworks by cutting edge artists, collectives, technologists, designers and makers, WNDR disrupts and redefines the traditional museum experience. As guests travel through WNDR Museum, they are taken on a multi-dimensional journey in which they serve as an extension of each creator by interacting with various installations. In July 2022, WNDR Museum was voted one of the top five immersive art experiences in the country by USA Today’s Reader Poll. For more information, visit WNDRmuseum.com.