Shacks and Shanties
Faheem Majeed is a Chicago based artist best known for his community based art practice. Majeed began his career in Chicago at the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) where he served in a number of capacities beginning as curator and culminating as Executive Director. He is currently the Associate Director of the School of Art and Art History at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In this capacity, he also serves as faculty and leads courses in socially engaged art practices and museum studies.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Shacks and Shanties
The SSCAC, community leaders, and other culturally specific institutions have shaped his understanding of art as a social agent. Through these experiences Majeed learned the importance of extending the art discourse beyond the traditional museum and gallery space, a theme that is present in each of his projects. He uses art as a catalyst to engage the broader community in meaningful dialogue and action.
The “Shacks & Shanties” project is a multifaceted South Side installation that serves as a collaborative platform for artist interventions, civically engaged community members, and organizations. Erected in vacant lots across Chicago, these temporary, functional sculptures leverage found materials in the construction, but the intent is to create sustainable relationships based on the interactions in and around the shacks.
Faheem Majeed will utilize his exhibition at Blanc Gallery as a reflective moment to highlight the project’s participants and stake holders as well as to discuss the various aspects of the Shacks and Shanties Project. This move from open community space to a more formal institution transforms the audience from participant to observer. Majeed will explore how the art itself changes within the space and question the ability to maintain the authenticity of the original experience.