Exhibition Statement

“I am invested in illustrating the possible.” -Theaster Gates

As a place of learning, the Washington Studio School is always considering the role of the artist- in life, in society and in politics. We are here to learn in high form, and we are here to hope. As a prerequisite to improvement, we must allow ourselves to fail, to revolt and to stumble. These are growing pains. We do, however, come out on the other end, marching forward and creating a world full of possibilities. 

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It is precisely this reality that our Civic Tongue artists present to us. Difficult subjects as a stepping stone to hope. We must acknowledge and reckon with before we grow and evolve. This year’s Civic Tongue challenges us in the best way; celebrating freedom of speech through art. That this exhibition coincides with our 40th anniversary is no coincidence. Our school was founded on the doctrine of the importance of working from LIFE. In a broader sense, our Civic Tongue artists do just that.

-Reem Bassous, Artistic Director