Featuring a Performance and Artist Talk by Nneka Kai
This fall, TSA brings Textiles Close Up back to Chicago with a rare opportunity to experience the powerful exhibition On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival at the Art Institute of Chicago, November 16–17, 2025.
The exhibition gathers over 100 works from across centuries and cultures to ask how textiles help communities endure grief, honor the departed, and carry stories of survival. Visitors encounter works of mourning and care, as well as textiles that embody resistance and resilience. Four central themes guide the presentation: Death and Mourning, Transition of Realms, Care and Repair, and Resistance and Survival. Curators Isaac Facio, Nneka Kai, and Anne Wilson, frame the exhibition as both deeply historical and urgently contemporary.
A highlight of this program: Nneka Kai
Alongside a curator-led tour and close-look session, participants will experience a durational gallery performance by interdisciplinary artist Nneka Kai. Known for working at the intersections of fiber, sculpture, installation, and performance, Kai explores what constitutes a free Black feminine form. Following her Sunday performance, TSA participants will gather on Monday for an exclusive artist talk with Kai including insights from Leslie M. Wilson AIC Academic Curator and Director of Research Programs, offering rare insight into artistic process and research.
More than a tour
In addition to guided experiences at the Art Institute, participants will visit the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Textile Resource Center for a behind-the-scenes look at the collections and teaching resources that inform new generations of textile artists and scholars. The program also includes access privileges and walk-through of Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies”, group discussions, time for self-guided exploration of the galleries, and opportunities to connect with fellow textile enthusiasts..
Program details
Dates: November 16–17, 2025
Location: Art Institute of Chicago & SAIC Textile Resource Center
Early Bird Registration opens for TSA Members: September 1
Registration opens: September 10
Final deadline: October 17
Capacity limited to 25 participants
Registration fee includes: museum admission, curator-led tours and access to Elizabeth Catlett exhibition, Nneka Kai’s performance and artist talk, TRC visit, group lunch, and a private closing conversation and reception with AIC staff.
Not included: travel, lodging, or costs for optional social gathering.
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Member Perks
In addition to being featured in a social media takeover or Member Monday, here are some additional member perks:
- Submit Member News to be featured in an upcoming Newsletter.
- Submit an article or exhibition review for our Newsletter.
For more information about submitting to TSANewsletter, see this page: https://textilesocietyofamerica.org/news/newsletters/submit-to-tsa-news
To submit or inquire, email communications@textilesocietyofamerica.org.
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