Common Reason

About the Exhibition

This exhibition connects America's past and present in a shared dialogue. Drawing on Thomas Paine's 1776 texts 'Common Sense' and 'The American Crisis,' which addressed the spirit of the American Revolution, it explores present-day social conflict and the future of democracy. The exhibition pairs historical documents from 1776 with contemporary artworks, prompting comparison and reflection between America's historical identity and its current social issues. Participating artists include Paul Ramírez Jonas, Charles Gaines, and Jason Kao Hwang, whose works emphasize the core values of democracy through community and music. Works by Öyvind Fahlström, Joyce Kozloff, Hank Willis Thomas, and Kara Walker also reinterpret various facets of American history. The exhibition includes a total of 9 contemporary artworks, offering an important visual dialogue connecting America's history and present.