The Men Who Would be King follows several American and European men who traveled to the nation of Vanuatu, claiming to be the fulfillment of a prophecy to become a powerful leader on the island of Tanna. In this exhibition, photographer Jon Tonks and writer Christopher Lord examine the varied response to the foreign men who reach for imaginary power, as they sift through the remnants of colonialism and its ongoing ramifications on the islands.

In the gallery, large vinyl prints cover the wall with portraits of men claiming to be the destined ruler of the land while text beside it details the narrative experience of Tonks and writer Christopher Lord as they followed their objects of study. Click here to learn more about the exhibition.

In addition to the exhibition, we had the pleasure of hosting a crew of improvisational comedians hailing from Chicago. The visiting improvisers held an intensive improv workshop inside the gallery space where participants could experience the exhibition as they learned from industry professionals about the art of Chicago style, long form improvisation.

Following the workshop, we hosted an improv show in collaboration with Jon Tonks. Tonks images were projected on the wall as he shared stories about the project and his process. Through storytelling, improvisation, and fine art photography, Mila Rao, Rudy Mendoza, Ryan Haynes, Jane Brown, Dylan Doetch, and Timothy Felton grabbed a hold of lines of Jon’s narrative as he detailed his personal account in Vanuatu. While the stories shared by performers connected to the core of Jon’s sentiment, they also expanded it to include elements of situations that aren’t as far away from our own home. The melodrama of The Men Who Would Be King located and created in familiar moments of entitlement, disconnect, and laughter consequential of reality’s love for overlapping with satire.

While the gravity of neo-colonization cannot be swallowed lightly, there’s an effort in both Tonks’ presentation and that of fellow performers to preserve space for humanity. That of the people of Vanuatu, who find financial gain and entertainment in minding the men who land and for all of us who have settled in different environments, meeting the entitlement that roots itself in all of us. The collaboration is a nice reminder to save space for a little laughter and humility.

We extend our gratitude to Tim Felton for his leadership and support in organizing this event and to Jon Tonks for allowing us to enjoy and hold space for his work. We are looking forward to hosting more collaborative workshops and performances related to upcoming exhibitions in our gallery space! Check out our calendar for any new events that may be in the near future!