Theaster Gates Plays Guest, Ghost, and Host at Prada Rong Zhai

The Chicago-based artist created a three-chapter show that reimagines the space, an historic residence in Shanghai restored by Prada in 2017. Gates invites visitors to immerse themselves in his multi-disciplinary creative process. Here, his role moves between that of guest, ghost, and host. 

“China Cabinet” is inspired by home-studios, antique Chinese porcelain boutiques, as well as Gates’s own potter’s workshop and home. Works like Rickshaw for Black Bricks (2013), Black Tea and World Gifts (2020), For consideration of the dirty work and prayer (2016), and Corpus (2021), explore levels of intimacy in relation to the utilization of space, sculpture, and his body of ceramics work.

With a background in urban planning and preservation, Gates investigates space theory and land development, sculpture and performance through his ceramic works. Gates has exhibited and performed in renowned cultural institutions around the world and received the 2020 Crystal Award for his contribution in leading the creation of sustainable communities.

“China Cabinet” is not only Gates’ reflection on space and materiality, but also sustainability, spirituality and topics of social justice.