GIANTS by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz is epic. As I arrived at The High Museum on the afternoon of Saturday, September 21st, the energy surrounding the exhibition was palpable. I entered with other attendees and we excitedly verified our excitement.

Curated by musical power couple Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, this collection showcases a who’s who of contemporary Black artists, offering an important spotlight on the intersections of art and hip-hop culture, which in the view of this humble curator, are often overlooked, undervalued, and unseen.

The exhibition not only highlights the immense talent within the global Black artistic community but also redefines the role of curation in the modern art world.

By elevating these particular voices with the same pedigree, intention, and personality that has brought most widely acclaimed art into view for the world-at-large, Alicia and Swizz put these artists, and hop hop where they should be - with all the giants - at the top of everyone's list.

A Thoughtful Journey Through the GIANTS Collection

To fully appreciate “GIANTS,” it's best to start your visit early so you have time to visit the rest of this incredible museum. After navigating the bright and airy lobby, take the staircase to the second floor, where the special exhibitions are housed. The exhibition begins with a stunning collection of Kehinde Wiley’s monumental portraits of the collectors. Known for his vibrant reimagining of classical portraiture, Wiley’s work commands attention with its sheer scale and intricate detail. His piece, “Equestrian Portrait of Prince Tommaso Francesco of Savoy-Carignan,” sets the tone for the exhibition. Here, Wiley places a Black figure in a pose historically reserved for European aristocracy, challenging notions of power and representation in art.

(Wiley's recent drama is an entire aside, so we'll leave that there).

From Wiley’s regal compositions, the exhibition flows seamlessly into a series of Gordon Parks’ black-and-white photographs. Parks, one of the most significant photographers of the 20th century, captured the nuanced realities of African American life in a deeply segregated America. His iconic image, “American Gothic, Washington, D.C.,” is on display, depicting a solemn Black woman holding a broom and mop in front of the American flag.

This photograph, a powerful critique of racial and economic inequality, serves as a poignant counterpoint to Wiley’s colorful opulence, grounding the viewer in the historical struggle for Black visibility and justice.

Continuing through the gallery, Nina Chanel Abney’s vibrant and chaotic compositions demand attention. Her piece, “Young, Gifted & Black,” is a kaleidoscope of color and form, filled with symbols that speak to themes of identity, race, and social justice. Abney’s use of flat, bright colors and seemingly playful aesthetic contrasts with the weighty subject matter, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of modern Black experience in a visually accessible way. Her work disrupts the viewer’s expectations, using abstraction to tackle topics like police brutality and systemic racism, all while maintaining a sense of immediacy and relevance.

Connecting Hip-Hop and Contemporary Art

The “GIANTS” exhibition is more than just an art exhibit; it is a testament to the cultural power of hip-hop and its ability to transform spaces and narratives. Just as hip-hop redefined music and culture, this collection reimagines the role of curation. It foregrounds African American voices that have long been marginalized in the art world, creating a space where the full spectrum of Black artistic experience can be explored and celebrated.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are not only musicians but also heroes of the modern art movement. Through their Dean Collection, they have committed to supporting and elevating Black artists, ensuring that their contributions are not just seen but also deeply appreciated. This exhibition is a testament to their vision and dedication, bringing the energy and dynamism of hip-hop to the often staid world of art institutions.

The influence of hip-hop culture is evident not just in the selection of works but in the very ethos of the exhibition. Much like a well-curated album, “GIANTS” offers a range of voices and styles, from the classical grandeur of Wiley to the documentary realism of Parks, to the pop-infused symbolism of Abney. It is a celebration of the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Black artists, each work a testament to their place in the cultural landscape of the United States.

Reimagining Curation for a New Generation

“GIANTS” is not just about the artists or the artworks; it is about reimagining curation itself. Alicia and Swizz have taken the spirit of hip-hop—its resilience, its innovation, its sense of community—and applied it to the world of art. They have created a space where Black artists are celebrated not as outsiders but as essential voices in the ongoing story of American culture. Their work challenges traditional norms, elevating the voices of those who have been underrepresented and offering a blueprint for the future of art curation.

As you leave the museum, you are left with a sense of awe—not just at the incredible artistry on display, but at the vision and dedication that made this exhibition possible. “GIANTS” is a reminder that art is not just something to be seen; it is something to be felt, experienced, and, most importantly, shared.

What's more, the collection policy is to let artists borrow their works for exhibitions whenever they want. How amazing is that?!

As someone who prioritizes equitable access to art, I love the ephemeral and non-possessive approach to ownership, curation, and education.

Alicia and Swizz nailed it with this one and should be looked to as a model for collectors for years to come.

Exploring the Broader Context of The High Museum

After immersing yourself in the powerful narratives of “GIANTS,” take a moment to explore the rest of The High Museum’s offerings. A visit to the American Art galleries provides a fascinating juxtaposition to the contemporary works in the GIANTS collection. Here, the traditional depictions of American history contrast sharply with the vibrant, urgent expressions of Black identity seen upstairs. This contrast underscores the necessity of exhibitions like “GIANTS,” which aim to diversify the stories told within institutional spaces.

Don’t miss the African Art collection on the museum’s third floor, which offers a broader historical context for many of the contemporary works seen in “GIANTS.” The masks, textiles, and sculptures displayed here provide a rich tapestry of the cultural heritage that informs and inspires many of the artists in the current exhibition. This juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary works serves to highlight the continuity and evolution of Black artistic expression across time and geography.

Black Art Where It Should Be: On Top

The reality is that historically, high-end art collectors haven't looked like Alicia and Swizz - its both the problem and the upside, and these two titans of culture have stepped into that space with the same full awareness, determination, and creative vision that led them to become the acclaimed artists that they are.

Standing in space with their growing collection was a privilege, and I sincerely hope all of you get a chance to see it when it visits a museum near you.