30 Americans
On view through January 17, 2022
Columbia Museum of Art
Columbia, South Carolina
www.columbiamuseum.org
“30 Americans” features an incredible “Who’s Who” list from among the most acclaimed Black artists of the last few decades, including Nick Cave, Glenn Ligon, Lorna Simpson, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley.
These artists explore identity, triumph, tragedy, pride, prejudice, and wit in a provocative exhibition united by one nation and distinguished by 30 experiences. Being American is only one aspect of these artists’ identities, and their understanding of what that means is as varied as the art on view. Their work provides a dynamic showcase of contemporary art offering an intersectional series of varying gender, sexuality, and class perspectives.
This exhibition asks viewers to consider our places in this country. What you see is both part of a national conversation and an opportunity to contemplate the issues that shape our own communities.
[Image: Wangechi Mutu, Non je ne regrette rien, 2007. Ink, acrylic, glitter, cloth, paper collage, plastic plant material and mixed media on Mylar. 54 1/2 x 92 1/2 in. (138.4 x 233.7 cm). © Wangechi Mutu. Courtesy Rubell Museum, Miami]
