Faculty Member Nick Cave Exhibiting at Smithsonian and Venice Biennale

Mammoth, a monumental new exhibition by Chicago-based artist and Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment Nick Cave, opened February 13 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). The show is SAAM’s largest commission by a single artist to date and features towering mammoth sculptures, performer-operated forms made from metal, hair, and reclaimed materials alongside immersive installations built from thrifted objects and family heirlooms. Mammoth was recently featured on the New York Times and CNN, highlighting the project’s exploration of memory, history, and what is preserved, erased, and rediscovered over time.

Cave was also announced as a Venice Biennale 2026 artist, in a show curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. The international culture exhibition takes place in Italy in November.