What is the artist's role in relation to an authoritative government? Catherine Opie reflects on her expansive body of work documenting the evolving social, political, and physical landscapes of America. Known for her deeply personal and politically charged imagery, Opie explores themes of identity, community, and belonging through portraits, urban scenes, and domestic spaces. In this talk, she shares how her practice has served as both witness and participant in moments of cultural transformation. From LGBTQ+ communities to American suburbia, her photographs capture the tensions and beauty within contemporary life. Through visual storytelling, Opie invites audiences to consider what it means to exist—and to resist—in a constantly shifting nation.
Endowed in 1974 by her family, the Gail Silver Memorial Lecture is named in honor of the late RISD Museum Docent and held annually.