Charles Gaines Exhibition + Talk + Film Screening

Event Image
Charles Gaines portrait in a white dress shirt.

Charles Gaines '67 MFA is a pivotal figure in the field of conceptual art. His body of work engages formulas and systems that interrogate relationships between the objective and the subjective realms. Using a generative approach to create a series of works in a variety of mediums, he has built a bridge between the early conceptual artists of the 1960s and 1970s and subsequent generations of artists pushing the limits of conceptualism today.

RIT's Anna Ballarian Visiting Artist Series presents an exhibition, artist talk, and film screening featuring Gaines. 

Exhibition - opens March 16

On view March 16-April 10
University Gallery (Grid Space)
Booth Hall, second floor
RIT campus
Parking in lot F - free on weekends and after 5 p.m. weekdays

Curated by Ellen Tani in collaboration with John Aäsp, this small survey of work aims to share a glimpse of Gaines's early work, along with examples of his generative, conceptual process. Works in this exhibition are generously lent by Deborah Ronnen, Caitlin Forsyth Kireker, Paul Garland ('67 MFA), Ben Wigfall Estate/Dolan Maxwell Gallery, and the studio of Charles Gaines.

Artist Talk - March 26

Conversation with Charles Gaines and Ellen Tani, assistant professor of art history
6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26
Memorial Art Gallery Auditorium
500 University Ave. Rochester, 14607
Free and open to all
*Free RIT shuttle from campus to MAG

  • Departs RIT North bus shelter at 5:30 p.m.
  • Departs MAG at 8 p.m. for return to RIT at 8:30 p.m.

In Dialogue: Collaborations with Charles Gaines Film Screening - March 27

7 p.m. Friday, March 27
Visual Studies Workshop
36 King St. Rochester, 14608
$10 admission

This exhibition and artist talk are made possible by the Anna Ballarian Visiting Artist Series, RIT's College of Art and Design, Memorial Art Gallery, and Charles Gaines Studio.

Learn more about Charles Gaines and his practice here.

Above photo: © Charles Gaines/courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth/photo by: Marco Giannavola


Contact
CAD Galleries
Event Snapshot
When and Where
March 26, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Room/Location: Memorial Art Gallery Auditorium (500 University Ave. Rochester, NY 14607
March 27, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Room/Location: Visual Studies Workshop (36 King St. Rochester 14608)
Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

No

Topics
alumni
galleries
student experience