Certainly an Act: Works on Paper by Pope.L

Pope.L's expansive practice across two hundred works on paper—from early 1980s to 2023—revealing drawing as central to his interrogation of race, language, and American identity.

Why go

The first comprehensive survey of Pope.L's drawings, drawn primarily from the artist's estate and featuring many works never before publicly exhibited. The show reframes drawing not as preparatory but as a generative core of his practice, alongside drawing-based films, writings, and audio works.

What to expect

Over two hundred works spanning the early 1980s to 2023, organized thematically and semi-chronologically across The Drawing Center's galleries. Key bodies include Failure Drawings, Skin Sets, and the rarely exhibited installation Relational Painting a.k.a If Black Is Beautiful..., alongside archival materials and audio drawings.

Things to know

• Pope.L (1955–2023) trained as a playwright before earning his MFA at Rutgers, bringing theatrical sensibility to conceptually driven work.
• Best known for grueling crawl performances like The Great White Way (2001–2009) and the long-running Skin Set series.
• Taught at Bates College and University of Chicago, mentoring generations of artists in interventionist critique.
• Exhibition organized by Assistant Curator Rebecca DiGiovanna, Executive Director Laura Hoptman, and Curatorial Consultant Hamza Walker.
• Opening reception June 25, 2026 at 6 PM; in-conversation program with Laura Hoptman and Hamza Walker on June 26 at 6:30 PM.

Plan your visit

The Drawing Center's galleries are closed for installation and reopen June 26, 2026. An opening reception is scheduled for June 25 at 6 PM, followed by an in-conversation program on June 26 at 6:30 PM with Laura Hoptman and Hamza Walker.