Barnes Foundation's 'Person of the Crowd' surveys urban life through 53 artists across decades

Between February 25 and May 22, 2017, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia showcased 'Person of the Crowd,' curated by Thom Collins, featuring works from 53 artists spanning five to six decades. This exhibition examined modern flânerie through various mediums, including installation, video, performance, and conceptual art by notable figures such as Robert Rauschenberg, Guy Debord, and Vito Acconci. Many artworks filled a spacious gallery, fostering visual interactions, while other elements reached into the streets of Philadelphia with posters and live performances. A re-enactment of Tania Bruguera's 'Displacement' from 1998 alluded to her arrest in Cuba. The event drew connections to Walter Benjamin's theories and the foundation's legacy, emphasizing intricate narratives and cultural diversity. Jean Shin's 'Surface Tension' series functioned as both a divider and a backdrop.