As summer approaches, exhibitions around the US cast a spotlight on Black artistry. From coast to coast, various museums showcase the dynamic and diverse narratives of Black artists. Whether you’re drawn to the visual activism of Zanele Muholi or the historical reflections of Bruce Onobrakpeya, there’s an exhibition for every art enthusiast.
Highlights of the season’s must-see exhibitions
Zanele Muholi at SFMOMA, San Francisco – A visual activist whose work is a testament to the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience in South Africa.
Blitz Bazawule at UTA Artist Space, Los Angeles – New paintings revive cherished memories from the artist’s Ghanaian roots.
Simone Leigh at the California African American Museum, Los Angeles – A survey of nearly two decades of work weaves together Black feminist theory and African art.
Mickalene Thomas at The Broad, Los Angeles – A reflection on love and liberation through the lens of mixed-media art.
Adam Pendleton at Pace Gallery, New York – Exploring the power of abstraction and its role in shaping cultural narratives.
Tyler Mitchell at The High Museum, Atlanta – Photographs that celebrate Black joy and the freedom of leisure.
Bruce Onobrakpeya at the National Museum of African Art, Washington, DC – A fusion of Christian iconography with African artistic traditions.
Kara Walker at SFMOMA, San Francisco – A new commission that delves into the memorialization of trauma and the transformative potential of art.
These exhibitions not only honor the aesthetic brilliance of Black artists but also serve as platforms for critical conversations on race, identity, and social justice. As we embrace the warmth of summer, let’s also embrace the warmth of Black creativity that continues to enlighten and inspire.
