Sonder

Sonder refers to the realization that everyone on Earth leads a different, yet equally complex and significant life. The exhibit explores and encourages this awareness through a diverse body of work. Teen artists use a variety of mediums, subjects, and storylines to communicate the settings, moments, and experiences that make them feel sonder. Each work serves as a window into someone’s personal circumstances. Through this window, the viewer is given the opportunity to imagine and understand different walks of life. We hope this opportunity fosters a sense of sonder and empathy within the viewer.

Sonder is an exhibition created by the Teen Exhibitions Program at the ICA. This group of teens collaborates to design, curate, and organize exhibitions for teen artists and their artwork. In order to serve and connect with our community, we feature and respect a plethora of perspectives and identities. The selected artwork is from teens living various lives; they work in several different disciplines and across ICA teen programs, together exemplifying our central theme of sonder. 

Text written by Erika M.

The Teen Galleries are open Tuesday through Thursday, 2–5 PM or by appointment. Please contact teens@icaboston.org.