In Our Time at Pratt Manhattan Gallery: Eleven Artists Reflect on W.E.B. Du Bois’s Legacy

Over a century after his groundbreaking work, W.E.B. Du Bois continues to shape cultural, political, and artistic thought. His writings and activism remain a touchstone for debates on race, justice, and the role of intellectuals in society. A new exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery, “In Our Time: Eleven Artists + W.E.B. Du Bois,” brings his ideas into focus for today’s audiences, connecting history with contemporary artistic practice.

W.E.B. Du Bois was a pioneering sociologist, civil rights activist, and visionary thinker whose scholarship exposed the systemic realities of racism and the need for collective progress. His legacy as both a scholar and activist makes him a powerful figure for artists who continue to grapple with themes of identity, justice, and the environment. At a moment when discussions around racial equity and social change remain urgent, Pratt’s exhibition highlights why his work matters now more than ever.

“In Our Time” was curated by Loretta Yarlow with the goal of creating a dialogue between Du Bois’s intellectual contributions and contemporary art. The exhibition gathers installations, video works, and works on paper that together form a multifaceted exploration of his ideas. By presenting art that is socially engaged and research-driven, the show situates itself as both a cultural and academic event within New York City’s vibrant arts scene.

The artists featured bring a wide range of perspectives to Du Bois’s legacy. Through multimedia practices, archival interventions, and experimental methods, they respond to his themes of race, modernity, environmental justice, and social critique. Each project highlights how Du Bois’s thought continues to inspire urgent conversations, whether through reimagining historical documents, investigating collective memory, or confronting the structural inequities that persist today.

Beyond individual artworks, the exhibition weaves together broader conversations about the intersections of art, history, and activism. It considers how intellectual and cultural history can inform contemporary practice, asking visitors to reflect on how Du Bois’s work remains connected to today’s struggles for justice and equality. Environmental themes also surface, reminding audiences of his often-overlooked engagement with global and ecological issues that resonate deeply in our current moment.

The importance of this exhibition lies not only in its artistic offerings but also in its educational and cultural resonance. For students, scholars, and the public, it serves as a living classroom where the history of African American intellectual thought is connected to ongoing debates in art and society. By staging this show, Pratt underscores the role of cultural institutions as spaces for reflection, dialogue, and the pursuit of justice.

Visitors can attend the exhibition at Pratt Manhattan Gallery, which remains free and open to the public. The gallery will host an opening reception, guided tours, and related public programs designed to deepen engagement with the themes presented. It invites audiences to not just view the artworks, but to actively participate in the conversations they inspire.

“In Our Time: Eleven Artists + W.E.B. Du Bois” is more than an homage—it is a call to carry forward his legacy. The exhibition challenges us to see how history continues to speak to the present and how artists today are translating that vision into urgent, thought-provoking works. In our time, Du Bois’s vision still demands dialogue, and this exhibition provides a space to take part in it.