Native Son

Directed by Rashid Johnson, 2019
TV-MA; 104 minutes

In conjunction with the special exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, the Modern presents "Don’t Lose Poetry," a two-part film program shaped by Johnson’s multidisciplinary practice and the thematic currents running through both the exhibition and his 2019 feature‑length adaptation of Richard Wright’s Native Son. The two-part series includes Rashid Johnson's Native Son and LA Rebellion Film Movement short films featuring Passing Through (directed by Larry Clark, 1977) and Brick by Brick (directed by Shirikiana Aina, 1982).

Johnson’s modern reimagining of Wright's 1940 novel follows Bigger Thomas (Ashton Sanders), a young African American man who takes a job working for a highly influential Chicago family—a decision that has tragic and unforeseen consequences.

Join us for a post-film discussion led by Devon “Vonnie” Smith with panelists Dr. Marta Torres, Hailee Dyer, and Tramaine Townsend.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Modern’s Exhibition Films series showcases the concept of “art in motion” through artist-created films, documentaries about artists, and films that explore themes related to our permanent collection and special exhibitions. At select screenings, attendees can engage in discussions and participate in Q&A sessions; all films are shown in the Museum’s auditorium. Native Son and LA Rebellion Film Movement are also a part of the "Don't Lose Poetry" Film Series. “Don’t Lose Poetry”, is a short film program inspired by the work of multidisciplinary artist Rashid Johnson, his exhibition, and his 2019 feature-length adaptation of Richard Wright’s Native Son. The program is hosted and moderated by filmmaker and video artist Devon “Vonnie” Smith, Professor of Practice in Production at Southern Methodist University.

Stage Events - Throughout the run of the special exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, a site-specific stage located in front of the Modern’s auditorium will host both programmed performances and spontaneous activations. An artwork in its own right, Stage, 2026, features a powder-coated steel surface bearing Johnson’s signature marks, scratched and branded into the metal, aging and burnishing over time. This platform, where others can express themselves, emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between artist and audience, a central motif in the artist’s practice.

Inspired by Johnson’s early memories of dancing and performing with friends atop Carl Andre’s Post-Minimalist floor works at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Stage is a testament to Johnson’s commitment to creating space for others. More than an invitation to engage and interact, the work fosters artistic endeavors and creativity as a collective experience.