Dread Scott: The Body Politic

Sat October 17th Open 10 AM–5 PM Dread Scott: The Body Politic brings together work that reflects Dread Scott’s longtime commitment to art that confronts political issues and interrogates American patriotism. On view in the exhibition are two newly commissioned projects, as well as a selection of pre-existing works. Defending the Flag (2026) is a durational performance piece in which a veteran of the armed forces, dressed in combat fatigues, stands in front of a U.S. flag while holding a military rifle; the work crystallizes social power dynamics in the form of a charged encounter between the state and the public. The piece will be performed each week on Wednesdays from 4pm–8pm, and Saturdays from 1–5pm. The second commissioned piece is a monumental work on canvas made up of dozens of layered body prints. Created with the participation of community members, the piece is an immense yet ethereal representation of civil society. These new pieces will be complemented by existing works, including a large-scale screenprint Imagine a World Without America (Green Land) (2025), a series of modified photographs of governmental seats of power, and a selection of pre-existing body prints. The exhibition draws on the urgency of the present moment, inviting viewers to consider their own positions within the systems his work lays bare. Dread Scott: The Body Politic is curated by René Morales. *Free admission for Youth, Military Personnel, and Museums for All. Employees of other museums with current valid staff ID receive free general admission for themselves and one guest. Entry ticket must be obtained onsite at YBCA’s Ticketing desk. Lead image: Dread Scott, Fight the Power, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Cristin Tierney Gallery. YBCA programs are made possible in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Blue Shield Of California, Bob A. Ross Foundation, City and County of San Francisco, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Malia Simonds, Mayor Daniel Lurie, National Endowment for the Arts, Pisces Foundation, The Ron Conway Family, Salesforce, San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Svane Family Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, Yerba Buena Partnership, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Board of Directors and Members. Made possible in part by Meet the Moment, an initiative of TnT Art Lab. Presented by Bat Witch Ghost & YBCA Co-Presented by Ashley Clark & YBCA Saturdays, November 14, 2026–January 16, 2027, 2 PM September 25, 2026—January 31, 2027 September 25, 2026–January 31, 2027