Joe Freshgoods and MCA Chicago Want You to Know "The Youth in You is Happy"

Chicago-based designer and creative director Joe Freshgoods has joined MCA Chicago for an exclusive capsule collection centered around learning and creativity. The collection, which includes a hoodie, three tees, two posters, and a puzzle and sketchbook, feature playful images that highlight the capsule’s name, “The Youth in You is Happy.”

“This whole collection is based off 12-year-old Joe being happy that I still remain myself, in having to grow up and be an adult,” he says. A black hoodie is silkscreen printed with colorful figures holding up a MCA-branded kite, while a yellow T-shirt reads, “Stop trying to please people. Art is whatever you want it to be,” in child-like script. In addition to the apparel, posters are illustrated with joyful and hopeful imagery accompanied by the collection’s text “The Youth in You is Happy,” while a puzzle comes together to spell out the phrase “CREATIVITY IS NOT CANCELED” on the spines of stacked books.

To celebrate the launch of his second capsule collection for the MCA, the museum hosted an Instagram Live featuring a studio tour with Freshgoods moderated by MCA Chief Curator Michael Darling yesterday. The artist talked about his COVID-19 response project, “Community Goods,” an exclusive line of clothing that directs 100 percent of all proceeds to small Chicago businesses and non-profit organizations.

The exclusive “The Youth in You is Happy” collection is available now on MCA Chicago’s webstore. Prices range from $20 to $100 USD.

In other news, Our Legacy recently unveiled a new capsule titled “Hands” that utilized techniques such as screen-printing, digital-printing and embroidery.