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The Brooklyn Museum is set to emerge as a hub of innovation and appreciation for Black art with its upcoming exhibition, “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys,”running from February 10 to July 7, 2024. Featuring the impressive collection of Grammy winners Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean, known as Swizz Beatz, the exhibition is a testament to the couple’s enduring commitment to Black creativity and its vital role in the contemporary art world.
Showcasing nearly 40 artists, the Dean Collection is a rich tapestry of Black artistry, encompassing figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Kehinde Wiley, and Esther Mahlangu. Mahlangu’s work, in particular, stands out for its dynamic reinterpretation of the South African Ndebele house painting tradition, adding a distinct and powerful narrative to the exhibition. The collection also holds the largest private assortment of Gordon Parks’ works, further emphasizing the couple’s dedication to both historical and contemporary Black art.
Anne Pasternak, the Brooklyn Museum’s Director, expresses profound admiration for Keys and Dean’s efforts, stating, “Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have been among the most vocal advocates for Black creatives to support Black artists through their collecting, advocacy, and partnerships. In the process, they have created one of the most important collections of contemporary art.” This quote from Pasternak not only acknowledges the couple’s passion for art but also their influential role in elevating the status of Black artists within the global art community.
The exhibition is intricately organized into thematic sections. “On the Shoulders of Giants” honors influential artists, while “Giant Conversations” delves into critical Black social issues through art. The “Giant Presence” section features major works like Nina Chanel Abney’s “Catfish” (2017), highlighting the profound impact of these artworks.
Keys and Dean’s journey from collecting music-related items to championing Black artists is a narrative of evolution and advocacy. Their active support for living Black artists, as underscored by their collection, addresses the long-standing issues of underrepresentation and undervaluation in the art world.
Nina Chanel Abney, Catfish, 2017. Image: Artsy
This exhibition transcends mere celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the recognition and valuation of Black artists. It illustrates the changing dynamics in art collection and appreciation, with the Brooklyn Museum at the forefront of this shift. The exhibition’s accompanying catalogue, published by Phaidon, features insights from Pasternak, interviews with artists, and critical essays, further enriching our understanding of the Dean Collection and its cultural significance.
As visitors experience “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection,” they are invited into a transformative space where art not only reflects but also shapes cultural dialogues and trends. This exhibition stands as a powerful affirmation of Black artistry and its indispensable place in the contemporary art landscape.
