CHICAGO | In Chicago’s vibrant film scene, few independent artists stand out more than Jacob Sutton, whose exhibition at the C33 gallery opened to visitors on October 26. The multimedia exhibit titled “Natural,” comments on the modern Black identity, and how societal factors interfere with the natural self, through the lens of six subjects who approach and embody these concepts differently.
Jacob Sutton’s production company dubbed, “A Cinematic Experience,” produces just that for the viewers. The space revolves around a large white wall projecting the film on both sides, while attendees circle and admire the various photographs and expository materials in the gallery.
Stills from the “Natural” exhibition, 2023
Although the core message of the exhibit is seemingly straightforward, much of the experience is dependent on the unique perspective of the viewer. “It’s always really cool to see spaces that embrace and celebrate Black identity,” said one audience member. The six subjects in the film offer their perspectives as well; by answering questions about their identity and how they have been forced to interact with societal concepts that are unwelcoming or unnatural. The film has strong themes of liberation, especially surrounding the idea of freedom from societal beauty standards. This is especially poignant in an increasingly interconnected world, which perpetuates potentially detrimental ideas that seep into the local and global consciousness.
The second interviewee in the film, Shiloh Tumo Washington, brings up the idea of subconscious influence when it comes to these social constructs, “It’s not something that’s outright said… but it’s ingrained in pretty much everything you see: advertising, filmmaking, photography. What people choose to capture, that’s where it all lies.” This message about social constructs is vital for this exact reason, people usually adapt to them without a second thought. Although it can be a positive mental shortcut, it also creates harmful and stagnant environments which Shiloh brings up here.
The gallery on opening night was a welcoming scene filled with Sutton’s friends, collaborators, and supporters. Over a brief phone interview after the show, I asked Sutton about the origins of this project and his artistic influences.“Last summer I was having a lot of thoughts about what it means to be Black and [the] Black identity, and how other people perceive Blackness,” said Sutton. “It wasn’t until I stumbled upon that Ted Joanes’ poem about being Black, that’s when I really started to want to pursue this type of film. I wanted to make a piece that I could use to get over some of those feelings.”
Additional inspirations are the music of Ahmad Jamal, a legendary jazz composer and creative mind who passed away during the film’s production, as well as the photography of Kwame Braithwaite.
“Natural” aims to tackle these societal topics through the lens of other people’s perspectives, so I asked Sutton about his thoughts on how identity interacts with society and if he feels inhibited from being his natural self.
“Society has controlled our identity; from slavery to Jim Crow era civil rights. Now, a lot of stereotypes are still embedded into our world and I feel like Natural backs this up, we get stories from Victoria being bullied because of her albinism, we got Vince talking about how it’s hard to get a good job because of his dreadlocks or Kelso talking about getting bullied for having bigger lips than her white counterparts.
“I think it’s something that we still interact with sadly in 2023 as Black people, I go through it, I knew my peers would too,” said Sutton.
Natural’s main focus is to highlight the Black experience and Black identity, however, the messages in the film apply to everyone. I asked Sutton what he wanted his Black and his non-black viewers to take away from this film respectively,
“For my black viewers, this is for us, made by us for us, I want this to be a celebration of a liberation, of taking back our agency over our bodies and our identity. Just showing Black joy and Black success and Black smiles.or my non-Black viewers, what I hope most is that you listen, you hear and you reflect upon the stories that are being told. Going in with an open ear and open mind to hear another perspective outside of your own. That’s what I hope the audience takes away,” said Sutton.
Thank you to Jacob Sutton for his thoughtful answers. If any of these topics interest you, go see “Natural,” which is housed at the C33 gallery until November 17 of this year.
C33 Gallery
33 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., First Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
Typical Gallery Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.