Morgan Park – A new visual arts exhibition opens this weekend at Boundary, the community‑focused gallery housed in a former garage on West 111th Place. The show, titled Now I Braid My Own Hair, runs from Saturday through October 10 and offers a personal look at artist Reevah Agarwaal’s childhood memories, family traditions and the journey to self‑definition.
Opening reception and viewing options
The opening reception will be held Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with additional viewing by appointment for those who prefer a quieter experience. The exhibit will also be featured during the Beverly Art Walk on September 26 and will close with an artist talk on October 10.
About the artist
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Agarwaal moved to Chicago to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since 2018 she has shown work in galleries across the city and beyond, including Heaven Gallery in Wicker Park, the Painting Center in New York, and the Textile Art Gallery. In 2024 she received the New Futures Award from The Other Art Fair and completed a residency with the Chicago Artists Coalition.
Exhibit themes and inspiration
Agarwaal describes the title as a declaration of agency: “‘Now I braid my own hair’ signals that I no longer need my mother or grandmother to set me into a role. I define that role for myself.” The works blend found photographs, inherited textiles and handcrafted pieces that reference the aesthetics of girlhood. Viewers will encounter a tension between nostalgic childhood imagery and text that reflects the gap between early dreams and adult reality.
Family influence runs throughout the show. Agarwaal’s mother, a housewife with a love for crafts, and her grandmother, an accomplished seamstress, introduced her to the world of embroidery, crocheting and elaborate gift‑wrapping. “Being around that environment played a huge role in how I got my start,” she says.
Boundary’s mission and founder
Boundary was founded in 2017 by Susannah Papish, a longtime Morgan Park resident who has been active in the art world for three decades. The space began as a personal studio in a backyard garage before evolving into a public venue that showcases emerging voices. Papish explains that the name reflects the gallery’s location near Chicago’s city limits and its commitment to bridging diverse artistic perspectives.
“It’s a different, unique experience,” Papish says. “The last two shows we’ve had, the artists created work specifically for the space, taking advantage of the large walls and open layout.” She adds that Agarwaal’s multicultural background adds a fresh dimension to the gallery’s programming.
Community impact
The exhibit underscores the importance of local arts spaces in nurturing talent and fostering cultural dialogue. By highlighting themes of adolescence, family heritage and personal agency, the show invites Morgan Park residents of all ages to reflect on their own formative experiences.
Boundary welcomes families, students and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of memory and creativity. More information, including appointment scheduling, is available on the gallery’s website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
