Thinking with Artworks: Nick Cave’s Soundsuit

A special “close reading” of a famous Chicago artist and artwork. Presented by UChicago’s Arts & Humanities Day and the Chicago Humanities Festival. View the schedule for November 7th in its entirety here.

Join Hannah Wirta Kinney and Cooper Long from the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry for Thinking with Artworks, a facilitated conversation centered on Nick Cave’s Soundsuit (2011), featured in the exhibition How Do We Heal?

Starting with participants’ observations and feelings, this interactive program invites the group to think expansively with an artwork and the questions it raises. No specialized knowledge is needed! Just curiosity and willingness to reflect and think with others.

Meet in the Smart’s lobby.

Please note: A recurrence of this conversation will be held at 12:30 PM.

IMAGE: Fall Opening Reception, 2026. Photo by Jason Smith. Artwork in image: Nick Cave, Soundsuit, 2011, Twigs, wire, upholstery, basket, and metal armature. Smart Museum of Art, the University of Chicago. Purchase, Paul and Miriam Kirkley Fund for Acquisitions, 2011.44 © 2013 Nick Cave