On August 19, Richard Gray Gallery announced an exhibition of new work by Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates. Heavy Sketches opens September 30 and will be on display through November 20. The exhibition features a series of bronze sculptures inspired by Ogoni, Dan, Baule, and Bamana ritual masks. While Gates is very active both locally and internationally, the gallery noted that the exhibition was the artist’s first in Chicago since 13th Ballad, which was on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2013. 

During a call on August 23, Paul Gray confirmed that the gallery is now representing Theaster Gates. He noted that they have had a long friendship with the artist and are looking forward to presenting future exhibitions together. Gates previously curated an exhibition of work by artists from the Black Artists Retreat in 2014 that was held conjointly at Richard Gray Gallery and Valerie Carberry Gallery. The exhibition featured the work of Derrick Adams, Erika Allen, Elizabeth Axtman, Bethany Collins, Tony Lewis, Kelly Lloyd, Valerie Piraino, Mitchell Squire, Wilmer Wilson IV, and Nate Young with a essay contribution by Romi Crawford. Gates recently hosted the fourth annual Black Artists Retreat in Chicago on August 20-22.

Gates is currently represented by White Cube in London and Regen Project in Los Angeles. Previously, he was represented by Kavi Gupta in Chicago. Along with his forthcoming exhibition at Richard Gray Gallery, the artist is also organizing a series of performances at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C. He recently joined the museum's board as a trustee, and the series will be his first contribution to the museum. The first performance titled "The Runners" will feature Gates' own experimental music group, The Black Monks of Mississippi, alongside students from Howard University and will take place on September 21.

For more information about the upcoming exhibition at Richard Gray Gallery visit: Theaster Gates: Heavy Sketches. 

Top image: Theaster Gates, Untitled work in progress for upcoming exhibition Heavy Sketches at Richard Gray Gallery, September 20-November 30, 2016.