Theaster Gates is an acclaimed artist known for his “Redemption of Waste Materials” philosophy and the “Unto Thee” exhibition held at the University of Chicago’s Museum of Intelligent Art. He contextualized the old tiles of Rockefeller Church and the glass cabinets of the Institute of Ancient Culture, which bear the imprint of the University of Chicago, giving them new life and narrative. In addition, he conducted community reconstruction and social practice in the South Side of Chicago through his Reconstruction Foundation, transforming abandoned buildings into vibrant cultural centers such as Stony Island Arts Bank and The Land School, practicing the concept of “ethical reconstruction” and providing a platform for black artists. Gates’ collaboration with the University of Chicago includes assisting in the establishment of the “Arts and Public Life Initiative” to fully utilize university resources to promote community development. The newly established Department of Arts and Humanities at the University of Chicago also reflects its emphasis on interdisciplinary art development, and the work of scholars such as Professor Jacqueline Stewart in film history and archival preservation echoes Gates’ philosophy. However, Gates’ artistic practice is not without controversy. The Rebuild Foundation has been strongly criticized by former employees for its chaotic management, leadership issues, and “objectification” of black employees, and even sparked attempts to form a union. The shelving of the Tamir Rice Memorial Exhibition and the “Twitter Gate” incident have also exposed the complexity and risk of “artistic whitewashing” that social practice art may face when dealing with sensitive issues. These controversies remind us that even artists who receive support from top institutions have social practices full of collisions between ideals and reality, requiring a balance between fame, fortune, and original intentions.