Theaster Gates Donates David Drake Pot to Descendants of Enslaved Ceramicist
Artist Theaster Gates has given a ceramic vessel from his personal collection to the descendants of David Drake, an enslaved potter. The piece is currently displayed in a New York exhibition at Gagosian gallery, along with another work previously returned to Drake's family by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in 2025. This action represents a significant gesture in addressing historical legacies and restitution.
Key facts
- Theaster Gates donated a ceramic vessel to David Drake's descendants
- David Drake was an enslaved ceramicist
- The pot is exhibited at Gagosian in New York
- Another Drake piece was returned by MFA Boston last year
- The exhibition features both returned works
Entities
Artists
- Theaster Gates
- David Drake
Institutions
Locations
- New York