In recent times, the art world has undergone a transformative shift, with an increasing number of institutions dedicating their spaces to showcasing the profound contributions of Black artists. This evolution addresses historical disparities, such as the segregation of museum access and the historical exclusion of Black creators from mainstream exhibitions. Now, approaching the close of this century's first quarter, leading museums are presenting nuanced and comprehensive displays of Black art, illuminating significant cultural concepts like Negritude, Black Power, and Afrofuturism, while authentically representing the multifaceted experiences of Black life. These exhibitions not only rectify past omissions but also enrich the broader understanding of art, offering fresh perspectives on themes of nature, technology, and humanity.
Spotlight on Black Artistic Brilliance: A Curated Tour of Institutional Exhibitions
As Black History Month unfolds, several prominent cultural institutions across the United States are hosting remarkable exhibitions that celebrate the breadth and depth of Black artistic expression. These showcases, opening their doors to the public, offer a unique opportunity to engage with groundbreaking works and influential narratives. From groundbreaking retrospectives to thought-provoking thematic displays, here's a closer look at some of the most compelling presentations:
- "Suzanne Jackson: What Is Love?" at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: This pivotal exhibition marks the first major museum retrospective for Suzanne Jackson, an 81-year-old artist whose career spans six decades. Featuring over 80 pieces, the show traces Jackson's artistic journey from her early ethereal paintings exploring human-nature connections to her innovative three-dimensional works that suspend paint in midair. A commissioned piece, ¿What Feeds Us? (2025), specifically addresses global environmental challenges. The exhibition also highlights her role in the West Coast Black artist community, showcasing works from her Gallery 32. This retrospective is on view until March 1 and will travel to the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, from May 14 to August 23, 2026.
- "Tom Lloyd" at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York: In a significant event, the Studio Museum in Harlem unveils the first institutional career retrospective of sculptor Tom Lloyd (1929–1996) as part of the inauguration of its new building. Lloyd, a pioneer in electronically programmed light sculptures, began these works in 1965 in collaboration with engineer Alan Sussman. This exhibition, featuring 21 artworks, including light sculptures and wall reliefs made from found metal, also documents his activism with the Art Worker's Coalition and his leadership of the Store Front Museum. The show runs through March 22.
- "The Lost World: The Art of Minnie Evans" at the High Museum, Atlanta: This is the first major museum exhibition for self-taught artist Minnie Evans (1892–1987) since the 1990s. Born in North Carolina, Evans began creating art at 43, drawing inspiration from vivid childhood dreams. Her work evolved from semi-abstract mandalas to kaleidoscopic oil and crayon compositions depicting intertwining humans, animals, and plants. The exhibition, presenting over 100 artworks, contextualizes her life and experiences as a Black woman in the Jim Crow South. It is on display until April 12.
- "Artist's Choice: Arthur Jafa—Less Is Morbid" at the Museum of Modern Art, New York: For MoMA's 17th "Artist's Choice" series, artist and filmmaker Arthur Jafa curates an exhibition of over 80 works from the museum's collection. Jafa, known for his montage and collage techniques, juxtaposes pieces like a Piet Mondrian composition with a quilt by Gees Bend quilter Lutisha Pettway. The exhibition challenges modernist rationality by emphasizing "affective capacity" or the emotional power of association. This unique presentation concludes on July 5.
- "Sistah Griot: The Iconoclastic Art of Barbara Bullock" at the Frist Art Museum, Nashville: This exhibition celebrates Barbara Bullock (1949–1996), an artist whose work critically examines social issues such as racism, classism, and sexism. Featuring some 40 pieces, the show also includes tender portraits and highlights Bullock's impact on the Nashville art community as a "griot" or storyteller. This exhibition is part of the 2026 Tennessee Triennial and will be on view until April 26.
- "Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity" at the New Orleans Museum of Art: This much-needed retrospective focuses on Hayward J. Oubre Jr. (1916–2006), known for his modernist sculptures made from coat hangers. The exhibition features over 50 artworks, placing them within the context of his military service, his role as an educator, and his activism during the Civil Rights movement. The show runs through May 3.
- "Ming Smith: Jazz Requiem—Notations in Blue" at the Portland Museum of Art, Maine: This exhibition traces the career of pioneering photographer Ming Smith from the 1970s to the present, emphasizing the influence of dance and jazz on her work. Smith, the first female photographer in the Kamoinge collective and the first Black female photographer with work in MoMA's collection, is celebrated for her abstract black-and-white photographs that convey the complexities of the Black experience. The exhibition continues until June 7.
- "Say It Loud: AAMARP, 1977 to Now" at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston: This exhibition provides an in-depth look at the African American Master Artist-in-Residency Program (AAMARP), founded in 1977. Showcasing over 50 works by 39 artists, it explores the program's history at the intersection of art, activism, and community, nurturing Black excellence in the visual and performing arts. The exhibition will be open until August 2.
- "Nick Cave: Mammoth" at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC: Artist and educator Nick Cave presents a monumental assemblage of sculptures, videos, and found objects. Commissioned by SAAM, the installation is rooted in Cave's family history and his experiences as a Black man in America. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate their relationship with the natural world and the histories that shape their lives, running through January 3, 2027.
- "Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen" at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington DC: Multidisciplinary artist Adam Pendleton exhibits paintings that blend abstraction and representation, along with a new video, Resurrection City Revisited (Who Owns Geometry Anyway?). This video combines still and moving images of Resurrection City, the 1968 encampment that was central to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign. The exhibition is on view through January 3, 2027.
These exhibitions represent a vital commitment by institutions to broaden artistic narratives and provide platforms for voices that have historically been marginalized. Engaging with these works not only enriches our understanding of art history but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the diverse human experiences and cultural legacies that shape our world.