Late last fall, right-wing nonprofit Turning Point USA started a website called the Professor Watchlist, which singles out college professors who “discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda,” according to a mission statement on its home page. Curator Ruslana Lichtzier was appalled by the site, so she decided to organize an exhibition in response. She personally asked more than 300 friends and acquaintances to submit works as a counteraction to Professor Watchlist’s directives. “The Dangerous Professors,” hosted at Triumph gallery in Pilsen (where Lichtzier is codirector), features 154 pieces created by solo and collaborative artists, educators, and writers. Through a variety of visual mediums, the participants advance forms of education increasingly deemed “dangerous” since the presidential election.
One of the reasons Lichtzier, who was born in Russia and raised in Israel, chose to come to the U.S. was her wish to more closely and critically examine the mechanism behind America’s “capitalist machine,” she says. Lichtzier was able to secure a green card in the U.S. in 2015 (it’s up for renewal at the end of this year); however, she’s experienced the extremely difficult process of applying for an O-1 visa, which requires that individuals possess extraordinary ability or have a record of extraordinary achievement. She was eager to invite other artists who are still working toward their own legal place in the U.S. In some cases, even though they were educators in their home country, they’re unable to teach here.
Through 7/1: Sat-Sun 1-4 PM or by appointment Triumph Gallery 2055 W. Cermaktriumphchicago.com Free
