The Dittmar Gallery at Northwestern University is hosting a community art exhibition titled “I was here,” featuring works by 24 local artists. Curated by Jasmine Ametovski and Clare Kirwan, the show highlights diverse mediums ranging from photography of the Berlin Wall to beeswax sculptures and multimedia installations. The exhibition focuses on how personal perspectives can redefine traditional art spaces and reclaim cultural identities through creative practice.
This exhibition matters because it challenges the historical exclusivity of gallery and museum environments by prioritizing community-driven narratives over traditional studio approaches. By showcasing artists from varied backgrounds, the project emphasizes art as a tool for social transformation and reclamation. It serves as a platform for underrepresented voices to assert their presence within an academic and institutional setting, fostering a more inclusive dialogue about who art is for and what it can represent.