A Poem for Deep Thinkers Open Mic hosted by Black Ceasar

Join us for an open mic night hosted by Emmy Award–winning artist Black Ceasar, inspired by the special exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers. This special event invites community voices to share work that reflects creativity, reflection, and bold expression. A night of art, energy, and deep thinking. This performance is free and open to the public.

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, 2025, 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-minimal 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.