Until the mid-20th century, numerous American museums, especially in the Southern states, designated specific days for Black individuals to explore art and artifacts. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the emergence of the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition (BECC), which included artists like Faith Ringgold and Romare Bearden, protesting against the exclusion of Black artists and curators from exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art. It wasn't until the late 1970s that Black artists began to gain a prominent foothold in museum programming, with significant representation in collections only emerging in the past decade.
As we navigate the quarter mark of this century, museums are increasingly showcasing comprehensive and insightful exhibitions of Black art that explore essential themes such as Negritude, Black Power, and Afrofuturism, while also acknowledging the intricate realities of Black life. In celebration of Black History Month, various cultural institutions nationwide are presenting exhibitions that delve into how Black artists interpret nature, technology, and humanity. Here are ten exhibitions to explore this month.
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"Suzanne Jackson: What Is Love," San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
At 81, Suzanne Jackson is finally receiving a significant retrospective. "What is Love?" features over 80 works from her 60-year career, showcasing her ethereal paintings from the late 1960s to her innovative three-dimensional pieces that challenge traditional art forms. The exhibition includes a commissioned work, ¿What Feeds Us? (2025), addressing global environmental issues. Jackson, a pivotal figure in the West Coast Black art scene of the 1960s, also highlights her role as a poet, dancer, and advocate for Black art.
Exhibition runs through March 1, and will travel to the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, from May 14 to August 23, 2026.
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"Tom Lloyd," Studio Museum in Harlem, New York
This marks the first institutional retrospective of sculptor Tom Lloyd (1929-1996), who integrated art with activism. The Studio Museum in Harlem, which first exhibited Lloyd's groundbreaking light sculptures in 1968, now showcases 21 of his works, including electronic sculptures and wall reliefs. The exhibition also documents his activism within the Art Worker's Coalition and his community-focused initiatives.
Exhibition runs through March 22.
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"The Lost World: The Art of Minnie Evans," High Museum, Atlanta
This exhibition is the first major showcase of self-taught artist Minnie Evans since the 1990s. Evans, who began creating art at 43, drew inspiration from vivid dreams, evolving from semi-abstract drawings to kaleidoscopic compositions. The exhibition features over 100 artworks reflecting her life as a Black woman in the Jim Crow South.
Exhibition runs through April 12.
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"Artist's Choice: Arthur Jafa--Less Is Morbid," Museum of Modern Art, New York
In MoMA's "Artist's Choice" series, filmmaker Arthur Jafa curates an exhibition of over 80 works, juxtaposing pieces to explore the complexities of Black reality. The title plays on the phrase "less is more," advocating for an emotional understanding of art that transcends modernist rationality.
Exhibition runs through July 5.
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"Sistah Griot: The Iconoclastic Art of Barbara Bullock," Frist Art Museum, Nashville
Barbara Bullock (1949-1996) created art that critiques social issues while celebrating personal narratives. Her exhibition features around 40 pieces, showcasing her impact on the Nashville art community and highlighting her role as a storyteller through art.
Exhibition runs through April 26.
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"Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity," New Orleans Museum of Art
This retrospective on Hayward Oubre Jr. (1916-2006) showcases his modernist sculptures and expands the narrative of American modernism. The exhibition highlights his contributions as an educator and activist, featuring over 50 artworks.
Exhibition runs through May 3.
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"Ming Smith: Jazz Requiem--Notations in Blue," Portland Museum of Art, Maine
Focusing on pioneering photographer Ming Smith, this exhibition highlights her work's connection to dance and jazz. It includes many pieces printed for the first time, showcasing her unique perspective on the Black experience.
Exhibition runs through June 7.
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"Say It Loud: AAMARP, 1977 to Now," Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
This exhibition explores the history of the African American Master Artist-in-Residency program, showcasing over 50 works from 39 artists. It highlights the program's role in fostering Black excellence in the arts.
Exhibition runs through August 2.
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"Nick Cave: Mammoth," Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC
Nick Cave's installation combines sculptures, videos, and found objects, reflecting on his family history and the Black experience in America. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate their relationship with nature and history.
Exhibition runs through January 3, 2027.
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"Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen," Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington DC
Adam Pendleton's multidisciplinary work merges various artistic forms, exploring themes of abstraction and representation. The exhibition includes a new video that connects historical narratives with contemporary art.
Exhibition runs through January 3, 2027.