“GIANTS” ART FROM THE DEAN COLLECTION SWIZZ BEATZ & ALICIA KEYS
Ebony G. Patterson. . . . they were just hanging out . . . you know . . . talking about . . . ( . . . when they grow up . . .), 2016. Beads, appliqués, fabric, glitter, buttons, costume jewelry, trimming, rhinestones, glue, digital prints. The Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. © Ebony G. Patterson. Courtesy of the artist, Monique Meloche Gallery, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. (Photo: Adam Reich)
February 10–July 7, 2024
“Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of culture, a testament to the power of art in shaping narratives, and a reflection of the vital role of collectors in supporting and sustaining artistic communities.”
The upcoming exhibition "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys" at the Brooklyn Museum marks a significant moment in the world of contemporary art. This event not only celebrates the impressive collection owned by the renowned couple Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys but also underscores the broader cultural impact of their philosophy of “artists supporting artists.” This exhibition is a testament to the couple's deep-rooted passion for art, which has evolved from their early days of collecting albums, musical equipment, and BMX bikes.
The exhibition is unique in its focus on Black diasporic artists, bringing to the forefront nearly forty eminent figures of the art world. These include the likes of Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Jordan Casteel, and Barkley L. Hendricks, alongside Esther Mahlangu, Gordon Parks, Amy Sherald, Lorna Simpson, and Kehinde Wiley. Each of these artists has contributed significantly to the narrative of contemporary art, bringing diverse and profound perspectives to the fore.
Anne Pasternak, Shelby White and Leon Levy Director, rightly notes the critical role Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have played as advocates for Black creatives. Their collection is not just an assemblage of beautiful objects but a purposeful and influential endeavor to support Black artists through their collecting, advocacy, and partnerships. This collection, which started over twenty years ago, is rooted in a commitment to support living artists, particularly artists of color, as a response to the underrepresentation in the art collecting world.
The exhibition begins with an intimate look into the creative lives of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, both native New Yorkers with decades-long careers in music and a shared passion for art and culture. The story of Swizz Beatz's rise from a DJ to a producer and Keys' journey from a child pianist to a fifteen-time Grammy Award–winning artist sets the stage for understanding their deep connection to the arts.
IMAGE: Derrick Adams (born Baltimore, Maryland, 1970). Woman in Grayscale (Alicia) [left] and Man in Grayscale (Swizz) [right], 2017. Giclée print, each 24 × 18 in. (61 × 45.7 cm). The Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. © 2023 Derrick Adams Studio. (Photo: Glenn Steigelman)
The title "Giants" is multi-faceted in its meaning. It not only references the stature of the artists featured but also signifies the monumental works and the impactful nature of the art. The term also reflects the robust bonds between the Deans and the artists they support, fostering a community among these creative minds.
The exhibition is divided into thematic sections, each telling a different part of the story. "On the Shoulders of Giants" pays homage to legendary artists who have left an indelible mark on the world, like Esther Mahlangu with her colorful abstract paintings and photographers like Kwame Brathwaite, Malick Sidibé, and Gordon Parks. These artists captured significant moments and laid the groundwork for future generations.
"Giant Conversations" explores the critical role artists play in commenting on societal issues. This section showcases a range of works addressing issues faced by Black people throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, from Lorna Simpson’s examination of Black women's self-representation to Nick Cave’s textured sculptures.
The exhibition also celebrates Blackness, highlighting beauty, resilience, and joy within communities globally. Artists like Jamel Shabazz and Hassan Hajjaj challenge stereotypical depictions, presenting vibrant and diverse images of everyday life and cultural pride.
Concluding the exhibition is "Giant Presence," where monumental artworks create an impressive finale. This section includes Nina Chanel Abney’s Catfish and Arthur Jafa’s Big Wheel I, among others, which use scale to emphasize powerful themes resonating across history.
The accompanying exhibition catalogue, published by Phaidon, includes a foreword by Anne Pasternak, interviews with artists in the Dean Collection, and a conversation between the Deans and exhibition curator Kimberli Gant. This not only adds depth to the exhibition experience but also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the significance of this collection.
"Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys" is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of culture, a testament to the power of art in shaping narratives, and a reflection of the vital role of collectors in supporting and sustaining artistic communities. It promises to be a landmark event in the art world and a must-visit for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.