On February 14th, 2024, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Dean will unveil “The Dean Collection” at the Brooklyn Museum. This vibrant assortment gathered during the couple’s travels pays tribute to the achievements of Black and African artists worldwide. The artworks furthermore depict the remarkable strides made by these artists throughout the years. The exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum promises to be a cultural spectacle as it celebrates prominent artworks by Black artists from around the world.
Established in 2014, The Dean Collection is a testament to Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s enduring passion for celebrating African American heritage. It emerged as a response to the absence of people of color collecting Black and African works. Their journey spans continents, where they’ve gathered artworks resonating with the spirit of the diaspora.
“A lot of people talk about the culture but don’t own anything from the culture. We should be the leaders of our culture.”– Swizz Beats for Cultured Magazine.
The exhibition, “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys,” showcases works from artists like Tschabalala Self, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Kehinde Wiley, Esther Mahlangu, and Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, representing the African diaspora. Their inclusion celebrates diverse styles, mediums, and messages, emphasizing their significance in African artworks.
Furthermore, the collection highlights works by black artists such as Gordon Parks and Derrick Adams, creating a dynamic tapestry. It underscores commonalities, influences, and the beauty of Black art. From Paul Anthony Smith’s evocative creations to Jordan Mcastel’s avant-garde expressions, The Dean Collection truly celebrates the Black Renaissance.
This is the first time Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz will unveil their collection at the Brooklyn Museum. It marks a pivotal moment in Black Art as the couple works on improving the channels for collecting Black art. As the Deans passionately support emerging artists on the continent through ‘The Deans’ Choice, they foster inclusivity and community building. Currently under review by Sotheby’s, sellers can voluntarily dedicate a percentage of proceeds to a work’s creator through “The Dean’s Choice.” This step towards supporting upcoming black artists ensures they get the proper support to produce collectible artworks.
As Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz curate this expansive collection, their vision surpasses mere art enthusiasts. It reflects a profound belief in art’s transformative potential for upcoming artists. Moreover, it enhances community building by responding to the absence of people of color engaging with artists of color.
The Dean Collection stands as a beacon in a world where representation matters. It invites viewers to explore the nuances of the Black experience. It also celebrates the artistic revolution, paying tribute to Black and African artists worldwide. The Dean Collection testifies to the enduring legacy of African and African American art. Its grand debut in February 2024 reshapes the narrative of Black art, one masterpiece at a time. Explore The Dean Collection to learn more about the exhibition and featured artists.
