Julie Mehretu Delivers RISD Commencement Address on Art's Transformative Power
Julie Mehretu addressed the graduating class of 2026 at the Rhode Island School of Design, highlighting the importance of beauty and poetics in healing trauma and envisioning new futures. Her complete speech can be found on Hyperallergic. The newsletter also includes a list of 30 essential summer art exhibitions in New York City, featuring Pierre Huyghe's dreamscapes inspired by brain activity and the Orientalism exhibit at The Met. Paddy Johnson shares tips for managing relationships in the art community. The Obama Foundation revealed the first official dual portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama, created by Njideka Akunyili Crosby. In Ukraine, Russian airstrikes resulted in at least 11 fatalities and damaged the Dormition Cathedral at the Pechersk Lavra monastery in Kyiv. Textile artist Cheeks organized a popular embroidery pop-up in Fort Greene to celebrate the Knicks' victory. A member comment reflects on an assignment at SAIC. From the archives: Lucy Lippard's influential 1971 feminist exhibition was almost forgotten.
Key facts
- Julie Mehretu gave the commencement address to RISD class of 2026.
- Mehretu stated: 'Beauty and poetics carry weight.'
- Hyperallergic published the full speech.
- The Obama Foundation revealed a dual portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama by Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
- Russian strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 and set Dormition Cathedral ablaze.
- Cheeks held a viral embroidery pop-up in Fort Greene.
- Paddy Johnson wrote about art-world friendships.
- Lucy Lippard's 1971 feminist show was nearly erased from history.
Entities
Artists
- Julie Mehretu
- Njideka Akunyili Crosby
- Cheeks
- Pierre Huyghe
- Lucy Lippard
- Paddy Johnson
- Hakim Bishara
- Isa Farfan
- Alexandra Schwartz
- Margaret Wilson
Institutions
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Hyperallergic
- Obama Foundation
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Maine College of Art & Design
- Hyundai Motor Group
- Ars Electronica
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Fort Greene
- Brooklyn
- Kyiv
- Ukraine
- Los Angeles
- Nigeria