Ohio-based designer, researcher and educator Zack Tucker will showcase Dialogues on Democracy at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus Art Gallery in March.
Dialogues on Democracy is a participatory exhibition that invites viewers to co-create a better future for all people. Through a series of videos, activities and design research artifacts, participants describe how their identity intersects to create divergent experiences, reflect on traits that are commonly associated with the dominant culture within the United States and brainstorm ways to make democracy work for themselves and others.
The opening reception will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 5. Face coverings will be required, and social distancing guidelines will be in place.
A virtual artists talk will be held at noon on Wednesday, March 31 on Instagram Live on @rivercampusartgallery.
Tucker is a Southeast graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and illustration and Master of Arts in educational/instructional technology. He is currently an assistant professor of communication design in the Department of Art at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. His work explores the intersection of design strategy, politics and autonomous technologies.
Referencing recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Tucker said many Americans have been thinking about what we need to build a more perfect union.
Design isnt just about making beautiful things, its about making change, Tucker said. Design interventions like this exhibition can spark a dialogue about what we need to accomplish our goals, whatever they may be.
The River Campus Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the historic Seminary Building in Room 106. River Campus Art Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-7 p.m. on First Fridays.
All gallery exhibitions, events and talks are free and open to the public. Face coverings will be required, and social distancing guidelines will be in place.