Dancing the Revolution: Dancehall and Reggaetón's Radical Legacy at MCA Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón,' curated by Carla Acevedo-Yates. This show explores how dancehall and reggaetón serve as forms of resistance, featuring around 40 artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Lee 'Scratch' Perry. Visitors can see works in various mediums, alongside a special mixtape by Juan Rivera. Acevedo-Yates traveled to Panama and Kingston for research, working with reggae en español pioneers. A highlight of the exhibition is Isaac Julien's 1984 film 'Territories,' addressing Black life in Britain. This project, which originated from Puerto Rican protests in 2019, will be open until September 20, 2026.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón' at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Curated by Carla Acevedo-Yates
- Features around 40 artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Phil Collins, Reggie Burrows Hodges, Edra Soto, Alberta Whittle, Carolina Caycedo, and Lee 'Scratch' Perry
- Includes a commissioned mixtape by Juan Rivera
- Research trips to Panama and Kingston informed the selection
- Acevedo-Yates spoke with reggae en español artists Renato and Nando Boom
- Isaac Julien's 1984 film 'Territories' is a highlight, focusing on Notting Hill Carnival and sound system culture
- Exhibition originated from 2019 protests in Puerto Rico where reggaetón was danced on a cathedral steps in Old San Juan
- Protests led to resignation of Governor Ricardo Roselló
- Exhibition runs through September 20, 2026
Entities
Artists
- Carla Acevedo-Yates
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Phil Collins
- Reggie Burrows Hodges
- Edra Soto
- Alberta Whittle
- Carolina Caycedo
- Lee 'Scratch' Perry
- Juan Rivera
- Renato
- Nando Boom
- Isaac Julien
- Beth Lesser
- Gregory Isaacs
- Papa Screw
- Charlie Ace
- Gameli Hamelo
Institutions
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Wallpaper*
- ARTnews
- The Art Newspaper
- Observer (US)
- OkayAfrica
- Artsy
- Frieze
- Art Basel Stories
- Aperture
- Byredo
- Adidas
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Kingston
- Jamaica
- Panama
- Panama City
- London
- United Kingdom
- Notting Hill
- Trinidad
- Puerto Rico
- Old San Juan
- San Juan
- Chancery Lane
- Drewsland
- Toronto
- Canada
- New York City