Blanc is excited to present Lawrence Agyei: DRILL, an exhibition celebrating Chicago’s South Shore Drill Team.

In 2020, the team halted their performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through photographic acuity, Lawrence Agyei (b. 1990, Sassuolo, Italy) captured the team’s unwavering focus, confidence, and skills as they prepared for their return to the Bud Billiken parade in 2021. The exhibition includes a selection of photographs from the series, ephemera from the team including their dazzling uniforms, and a short film by Agyei titled For the Crib (2022) that celebrates the history of the team.

Since its founding in 1980, the South Shore Drill Team has remained an outlet and resource for youth on Chicago’s Southwest Side, providing community and arts training that remain with them long after they leave the program. Lawrence Agyei: DRILL is a celebration and recognition of the team’s rich history, artistic excellence, and mission.

This exhibition is organized by independent curator Rikki Byrd, with support from Frances Agyei, project manager.

The gallery also extends a thank you to preparator Reggie Treshawn Williams and gallery assistant Jendayi Ingram.

This exhibition is part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlights the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities. It is funded by the Terra Foundation for American Art. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Wintrust Bank. Event sponsorship has been provided by Gertie. We extend a special thank you to our beverage sponsor Topo Chico. Thank you to Gran Coramino for sponsoring a special event celebrating the exhibiting artist.

Graphic design by Amin Qutteineh at Fast Learner Studio.

Blanc invites you to further support the South Shore Drill Team by making a donation. Your support allows the organization to continue to serve youth in Chicago through performing arts and education.

Programs:

Opening Reception:
April 5th, 6-8p

Join us for the opening reception to Lawrence Agyei: Drill. Hear from the artist and curator, Rikki Byrd, and enjoy drinks and music. Beverages sponsored by Topo Chico.

Artist Talk
April 27th, 12p-2p

Join us for a fireside chat between Lawrence Agyei and Michael Boerum, assistant director of South Shore Drill Team. The two will discuss Michael’s relationship with the team from childhood to adulthood, as well as Lawrence’s tenure photographing the team.

This event is sponsored by Gertie. Beverages sponsored by Topo Chico.

Closing Reception
May 11th, 12-2p

Join us to celebrate the closing of Lawrence Agyei: Drill with the South Shore Drill Team! Enjoy a special performance by the team, food, and beverages sponsored by Topo Chico.

“Blanc invites you to further support the South Shore Drill Team by donating. Your support allows the organization to continue to serve youth in Chicago through performing arts and education.”

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Tags: Blanc Gallery, bronzeville, Chicago, DRILL, Lawrence Agyei, Lawrence Agyei: DRILL, Lawrence Agyei: DRILL: Artist Talk