ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

If Emmett Till Lived: Imagining an Unmet Life at MoCP Chicago

exhibition · 2026-06-01

The Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) in Chicago is showcasing 'If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground', an exhibition curated by Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, a cultural and art historian from Harvard. This exhibit envisions the potential life of Emmett Till had he not been lynched in 1955, emphasizing the opportunities lost rather than the violence of his death. Featuring over 110 artists, including notable names like Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems, the display utilizes the museum's extensive collection of 18,000 works. Lewis collaborated with Till's cousin, Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., to create a narrative journey from childhood to adulthood. The uncaptioned images prompt viewers to engage with the visual story. The exhibition, part of MoCP's 50th anniversary, runs from September 10 to December 19. Earlier this summer, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proclaimed July 25 as Emmett Till Day in honor of his birthday. A catalogue accompanies the show, featuring essays from contributors like Lonnie G. Bunch, the outgoing secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, who reflects on a meeting with Mamie Till Mobley.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground' at MoCP Chicago, Sept 10–Dec 19.
  • Curated by Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, Harvard cultural and art historian.
  • Features work by over 110 artists, including Dawoud Bey, Christian Boltanski, Todd Hido, Sally Mann, and Carrie Mae Weems.
  • Imagines Emmett Till's life had he not been lynched in 1955.
  • Lewis invited Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., Till's cousin, to co-select images.
  • Images are presented uncaptioned and follow a narrative arc from childhood to adulthood.
  • Catalogue includes essays by Lonnie G. Bunch, among others.
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation making July 25 Emmett Till Day.
  • Exhibition is part of MoCP's 50th anniversary programming.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP)
  • Columbia College Chicago
  • Harvard University
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • Chicago History Museum
  • National Museum of African American History
  • Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago
  • Emmett Till Interpretive Center
  • Guardian
  • Art Newspaper
  • WLS-TV
  • Look magazine
  • Jet magazine
  • FBI
  • Vision & Justice
  • The Gordon Parks Foundation
  • Focus/Infinity Fund
  • Chicago Bulls
  • PetaPixel
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • NAACP Legal Defense Fund
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation
  • Smithsonian
  • African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
  • Design Observer
  • Aspen Institute
  • Climate Analytics
  • Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
  • University of Waterloo
  • Aperture
  • Flock
  • Royal Academy of Arts
  • Congress for the New Urbanism
  • DIRTT Environmental Solutions
  • Blair Inc
  • Win The Sleep LLC
  • Jet
  • Wired
  • The Washington Post
  • Los Angeles Times
  • The Art Newspaper
  • CNN
  • Associated Press
  • Quanta Magazine
  • U.S. News & World Report
  • The White House
  • MoCP/DelMonico Books•D.A.P.

Locations

  • Chicago
  • Illinois
  • United States
  • Money
  • Mississippi
  • Tallahatchie River
  • Syracuse
  • New York
  • Washington, DC
  • Bronzeville
  • Sumner
  • Little Village
  • Longmont
  • Colorado
  • Montgomery
  • Alabama
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Charlottesville
  • Alaska
  • Puerto Rico
  • New York City
  • Los Angeles
  • London
  • Calgary
  • Canada
  • Springfield
  • Virginia
  • Cincinnati
  • Ohio

Sources

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