In 2018, renowned artist Nick Cave and his partner, designer Bob Faust, transformed an old textile factory in Chicago into a vibrant live-work-gallery space known as Facility. Over the course of three years, they renovated the 18,000-square-foot building, creating a minimalist apartment upstairs and studios for their creative endeavors downstairs. The couple collaborates with a team of ten assistants, surrounded by a lush array of plants, fabrics, and art primarily from Black and brown creators. Their storefront gallery showcases three emerging artists each year, allowing the public to engage with fresh talent.
During a visit in late August, the atmosphere in their studio was industrious yet tranquil. Most of the assistants were deeply focused on their tasks, while Cave prepared for his upcoming exhibition, "Mammoth," set to open on February 13 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Among his other projects, Cave is working on a 37-foot-tall wall relief for Princeton University, a striking bronze sculpture for Frederik Meijer Gardens, and a virtual reality installation for the Shepherd Arts Center in Detroit.
Cave is also exploring new artistic directions, delving into his own ancestry and the significance of his family's history for "Mammoth." Growing up in Missouri, he was inspired by a single mother who nurtured his artistic interests. His family's culture of passing down items has greatly influenced his creative process, evident in his iconic soundsuits crafted from an eclectic mix of materials.
Faust, who is designing a book for the exhibition and assisting with a new wall work, has collaborated with Cave since the late 1990s on various projects. Their partnership is characterized by a fluid exchange of ideas, with Faust's expertise in typography enhancing Cave's artistic vision. Together, they co-founded Facility, where community engagement projects like "AMENDS" have prompted conversations about racism and responsibility.
Currently, Facility features "SALT," an exhibition by designer Tanya Quick, which invites viewers to experience emotional depth through video and installation art. As they discussed their collaborative process, Cave emphasized the importance of openness and leaving egos at the door, while Faust highlighted the necessity of a shared understanding to create impactful work.
As they prepare for the Smithsonian exhibition, Cave is focused on creating a space that reflects his family history and artistic journey. The project will include a performance that intertwines music and visual art, exploring themes of ancestry and significance in both large and small forms. Together, Cave and Faust continue to push the boundaries of their creativity, demonstrating that collaboration is an essential part of their artistic lives.