Liberty and Orders – A Virtual Exhibit Where Art Meets Activism

New York City artist Nari Ward’s Liberty and Orders was originally displayed at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery. As part of the NYCLU’s virtual exhibit, Ward guides viewers through the show, talking about his ideas and inspirations as he explains his dramatic sculptural installations, including an NYPD surveillance tower.

“Nari’s Liberty and Orders brings together the best of two worlds, uniting political protest and creative expression through the lens of personal experience,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “The exhibit shows what the corrosive impact of aggressive, discriminatory policing looks and feels like. It’s eye-opening and powerful, and we’re grateful that Nari has partnered with the NYCLU to share his vision.”

Unearthing emotion and power from everyday objects collected from his own neighborhood, Ward’s exhibit provides an incredible example of the role fine art can play in the struggle for social justice.

“The exhibition explores a range of themes dealing with anxiety – such as the anxiety of being stopped by police – our relationship to the systems of authority set in place, and art with a moral key,” Ward said.

In a series of three videos, Ward explains the process and personal experiences—including his own journey as an immigrant navigating the path to citizenship – that informed his work and inspired him to take on the issues of individual rights and constructs of power.

Experience the new exhibit at www.nyclu.org/nariward