Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, through their exhibition “Giants,” aim to highlight the importance of living artists within the art ecosystem.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
'Giants' presents 98 artworks by Black American, African, and African diasporic artists, emphasizing significant cultural contributions.
The Dean Collection introduces "Dean's Choice," advocating for artists to benefit from secondary market sales of their works.
Keys and Beatz use their platform to celebrate Black artistry, sparking conversations in society and envisioning a collective future.
Giants Exhibition at Brooklyn Museum
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, both renowned figures in the music world, have taken a grand step into the art world with their exhibition “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.” This exhibition, hosted at the Brooklyn Museum, shines a spotlight on their personal art collection, emphasizing the significant contributions of Black American, African, and African diasporic artists. The show, set to run from February 10 to July 7, 2024, presents an impressive array of 98 artworks that include paintings and sculptures​​.
The story of “Giants” started when Dean got inspired at Kehinde Wiley’s art show in 2015. He decided to shine a light on artists who are alive today, especially those who don’t get enough attention, even though they play a big part in the art world. This led him to create No Commission in 2017. This project lets artists sell their work and keep all the money, which is different from the usual way where the people running the galleries take a lot of the earnings. “Giants” takes this idea further, making it a mission to connect the worlds of music and art together.
Highlights and Featured Artists
The exhibition boasts a diverse range of artworks that challenge conventions and ignite conversations. Some of the big names include Kehinde Wiley’s stunning portraits, Meleko Mokgosi’s expansive narrative paintings, and Arthur Jafa’s towering sculpture “Big Wheel.” The collection also features influential works by artists such as Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mickalene Thomas, and Amy Sherald. It’s not just about showcasing art; it’s about promoting dialogue in society, celebrating Blackness, and envisaging a collective future​​.
Innovations in Art Collecting
Dean and Keys have introduced “Dean’s Choice,” an innovative concept encouraging collectors to allocate a portion of their profits from art resales to the original artists. This initiative addresses the issue that artists traditionally do not benefit from the secondary market sales of their work. By integrating this ethical choice, they aim to reshape the norms of art collecting, ensuring artists receive due recognition and compensation for their creations​​.
Experiencing ‘Giants’
When you visit this art show, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a place where art and music come together, showing what Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz love and dream about. This display isn’t just about showing their support for Black artists; it also welcomes you to really connect with the art. You’ll see big paintings and amazing sculptures, each with its own story, calling for change and celebrating the wide range of Black creativity.
“Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a cultural movement. By bringing their collection to the public eye, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have created a platform that highlights the immense talent of Black artists and fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of their contributions to the art world. This exhibition stands as a testament to their role as stewards of art and culture, bridging the gap between music and visual art to inspire and educate future generations​​​​​​​​.
Grace Angelique
An accomplished Art News Journalist with a decade of experience, Grace has passionately covered global art events, exhibitions, and emerging trends. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a pulse on the art world's undercurrents, Grace has crafted compelling narratives that bridge art and its societal impacts. Her work has graced major publications, offering readers a fresh perspective on contemporary art and its evolving landscape.
