Deserve What You Dream invites visitors to sit and rest while gazing at leisurely pool scenes of Black joy from Derrick Adams’ Floater painting series, abstract paintings of musings and intuitive thoughts by New Haven-based artist Jihyun Lee, and intricate abstract sculptures and latch-hooked rugs by Sarah Zapata throughout NXTHVN’s gallery and aula spaces; along with a vinyl window install of ‘Adventures of Joy Da Black Boi’ from New Haven-based artist Isaac Bloodworth. This selection of works provides a space of respite and rest for our viewers to experience the liberation of daydreaming. We encourage viewers to relax, daydream, and compose poetry with their bodies in our gallery while contemplating the following prompts:

Why do you dream? How do you dream? What do you dream of?

Curated by Marissa Del Toro, NXTHVN’s assistant director of programs and exhibitions. Deserve What You Dream will be on view through September 1, 2024.