Diedrick Brackens Weaves Memory and Myth at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Diedrick Brackens, a textile artist based in San Francisco, is debuting his first solo exhibition in the Bay Area, called "gather tender night," at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), with Eungie Joo as the curator. The show features 15 tapestries made since 2020, plus three new works from 2026, including "clearing," a three-dimensional piece that showcases a bed, quilt, and a basket of Dove soap. Brackens, who earned his MFA from California College of the Arts (CCA) in 2014 and currently teaches there, draws inspiration from various sources like West African weaving and European tapestry. His art explores themes of Black queer identity and migration, highlighted by his largest tapestry, "Blood Compass" (2023). The exhibition runs until August 23, 2026.
Key facts
- Diedrick Brackens's first solo exhibition in the Bay Area is at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
- The exhibition is titled 'gather tender night' and curated by Eungie Joo.
- It includes 15 tapestries from 2020 onward and three new works from 2026.
- Brackens received his MFA from California College of the Arts in 2014 and now teaches there.
- His practice incorporates West African weaving, California fiber art, European tapestry, and Gee's Bend quilting.
- 'Blood Compass' (2023) is his largest tapestry, featuring geese and Black figures.
- The installation 'clearing' (2026) includes a bed, quilt, and Dove soap basket.
- The exhibition runs through August 23, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Diedrick Brackens
- Eungie Joo
- Josh Faught
- Kara Walker
- Kerry James Marshall
- Ryan Coogler
Institutions
- Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
- California College of the Arts
- Hammer Museum
Locations
- San Francisco
- Bay Area
- California
- Texas