This September, the New Museum will unveil the most extensive exhibition of works by acclaimed filmmaker and multimedia artist Arthur Jafa. Titled I Am Tony, this exhibition honors the legendary jazz drummer Tony Williams and will occupy two floors of the museum's recently expanded facility in Manhattan. The opening is set for September 24 and will continue until January 4, 2027.
I Am Tony will showcase a selection of Jafa's most significant pieces, including the powerful video montage "Love is the Message, The Message is Death" (2016). This work, which features a soundtrack by Kanye West, intricately weaves together archival footage and contemporary elements of Black visual culture, including news segments and music videos. Notably, it was livestreamed by multiple institutions during the peak of the Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020.
Art critic Seph Rodney remarked on the emotional depth of Jafa's work, stating, "It's rare that an artwork gives you permission to cry," highlighting the profound impact of "Love Is The Message; The Message Is Death".
The exhibition will also feature Jafa's critically acclaimed 30-minute film The White Album (2018), which critiques the social constructs surrounding whiteness and earned him a Golden Lion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Additionally, visitors can expect the debut of new works, further enriching the experience.
The exhibition's tribute to Tony Williams, known for his innovative jazz drumming style with the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s, reflects Jafa's ongoing dialogue with Black popular music, evident in his dynamic films.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Jafa pursued architecture at Howard University before transitioning to cinematography in Los Angeles. His artistic journey includes collaborations with renowned directors like Stanley Kubrick and creating the music video for Jay-Z's 4:44.
The exhibition will be curated by New Museum Artistic Director Massimiliano Gioni, alongside Senior Curator Gary Carrion-Murayari and Curatorial Assistant Calvin Wang. Concurrently, two other exhibitions, Diego Marcon: Arrivederci, Piggies! and The Bowery: Devil's Mile, will also be on display at the museum, creating a vibrant cultural experience for visitors.
This significant survey of Jafa's work not only celebrates his contributions to contemporary art but also invites audiences to engage with the complexities of Black identity and cultural expression, setting the stage for future dialogues in the art world.
