Yesterday, the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago opened the much-anticipated exhibition When Clouds Roll Away: Reflection and Restoration from the Johnson Archive. Running until March 16th, 2025, this immersive exhibition by Theaster Gates is a tribute to the iconic Johnson Publishing Company (JPC), which chronicled black American life for over seven decades through Ebony and Jet magazines. The exhibition features a range of works inspired by the JPC archives, including newly restored objects, vintage office furniture and never-before-seen pieces.
At the heart of the exhibition is Gates’ installation, Facsimile Cabinet of Women’s Origin Stories, a photographic collection that highlights the contributions of black women, with over 3,000 images, primarily by photographers Moneta Sleet Jr. and Isaac Sutton. Theaster Gates is transforming the entire building into a reimagined publishing house, blending historical artefacts with contemporary art to celebrate JPC’s legacy.
Visitors are invited to engage directly with the archives, curating and rearranging the photographs to create a participatory experience. The exhibition not only honours the history of JPC, but also opens a dialogue about the relevance of Black media, culture and archives today. Beyond the visual elements, the exhibition includes a music series, a bar and lounge, and writing programmes.
By fusing past and present, Gates redefines the impact of black archives and ensures their continued relevance in contemporary culture. When Clouds Roll Away is a compelling exploration of JPC’s enduring influence and a powerful reminder of the role black women and black media have played in shaping American identity.
Portrait of EARTHA KITT
Courtesy of FORD FOUNDATION, J. PAUL GETTY TRUST, JOHN D. and CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION, ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION, and SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Courtesy of FORD FOUNDATION, J. PAUL GETTY TRUST, JOHN D. and CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION, ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION, and SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Courtesy of THEASTER GATES, photographs and facsimile prints courtesy JOHNSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC
Courtesy of FORD FOUNDATION, J. PAUL GETTY TRUST, JOHN D. and CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION, ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION, and SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Contact sheet for JOHNSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1967
Courtesy of FORD FOUNDATION, J. PAUL GETTY TRUST, JOHN D. and CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION, ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION, and SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Photography by DELFINO SISTO LEGNANI and MARCO CAPPELLETTI, courtesy of THEASTER GATES STUDIO
