Artist Theaster Gates has gifted a 19th-century vessel by enslaved potter David Drake to Drake's descendants and made this act of restitution the centerpiece of his solo exhibition at Gagosian in New York. The show, titled "Dave: All My Relations," features Gates's own artworks responding to Drake's legacy and the recently transferred pot, highlighting Gates's decades-long engagement with Drake as a foundational figure for his own practice.
The exhibition and gift arrive at a pivotal moment in the recognition of David Drake's work and the ongoing efforts by his descendants to secure ethical restitution of his pottery. Drake's status has risen dramatically, evidenced by a major touring exhibition, while his family seeks collaborative ownership models with institutions to ensure his story is shared while honoring their lineage. Gates's show acts as a powerful artistic and symbolic contribution to this conversation about legacy, ownership, and Black craftsmanship.