Freedom of Expression
Cornell Council for the Arts
John Hartell Gallery, Cornell Architecture, Art and Planning
March 4 - 29, 2024


During the 2023–24 academic year, Cornell University President Martha Pollack announced “Freedom of Expression” as the first in a series of annual themes designed to orient the university around a crucial component of academia. In the artistic realm, freedom of expression is a central pillar. Similarly, the arts are central to Cornell Council for the Arts and the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (Cornell AAP), providing the foundation for a natural collaboration in the form of an exhibition showcasing the importance of artistic free expression.

people the We is a collaborative installation by artists Adrian Aguilera and Betelhem Makonnen of works that cultivate their continuous curiosity about the relationship between symbols and collective identity, transnationality and diaspora perspectives, and history’s inextricable hold on the present. The collection of works – reimagined US flag, video installations, and a large wall vinyl – conflate the past with the future and the analog with the digital delving into foundational discussion of American citizenship.

Cornell Council for the Arts (CCA) is a university-wide cultural organization that provides a platform for the creation of and public discourse on the contemporary arts on Cornell University’s campus.

Adrian Aguilera & Betelhem Makonnen
Osiel Aldaba
Leighton Beaman & Zaneta Hong
Imani Day
Victoria Lee
Chiedza Musiiwa & Mia Wang
Sopheak Sam
Fabia St-Juste

Photo credit: Anson Wigner / Cornell AAP