Giants at Newfields: 5 Must-See Exhibition Highlights
Indianapolis art lovers have a historic opportunity as Newfields hosts “Giants,” a groundbreaking exhibition featuring contemporary art from the private collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. This landmark showcase brings monumental works by Black diaspora artists to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, offering a look at creative expression and cultural legacy. Here is your guide to the must-see highlights of this stunning exhibition during its Indy run.
A Historic Collection Comes to Indianapolis
The “Giants” exhibition showcases select works from the Dean Collection, the private holdings of Kasseem Dean (Swizz Beatz) and Alicia Keys. Known for championing living artists of color, their collection is one of the most significant holdings of contemporary Black art globally. Bringing this world-class tour to Indianapolis represents a major win for Newfields, aligning with efforts to engage more deeply with our local community.
Five Can’t-Miss Highlights of the Exhibition
The galleries are filled with breathtaking displays, but five specific highlights stand out as essential viewing.
1. Kehinde Wiley’s Monumental Portraits
Prepare to feel humbled by the scale of Kehinde Wiley’s oil paintings. These monumental portraits reframe classical European art by depicting contemporary Black subjects with regal poses and vibrant backgrounds, challenging historical representation.
2. Rare Early Works by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Seeing a Basquiat in person is rare, and “Giants” features key pieces that highlight his expressionistic style. These works offer a window into his early genius, filled with street art energy, cryptic symbols, and biting social commentary.
3. Amy Sherald’s Strikingly Intimate Figures
Known for her quiet yet powerful portraits, Amy Sherald’s contributions are a masterclass in subtlety. Using a grayscale palette for skin tones against bright backgrounds, she captures the quiet dignity of everyday Black Americans.
4. Esther Mahlangu’s Bold Canvas Painting
The exhibition highlights global perspectives, including South African artist Esther Mahlangu. Her paintings feature traditional, geometric Ndebele designs, bridging historic African folk traditions with modern contemporary art.
5. Personal Audio Guides Curated by the Collectors
This exhibition features custom audio commentary curated by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Listening to the couple discuss what each piece means to them provides a deeply personal, behind-the-scenes layer to the gallery experience.
How “Giants” Compares to Traditional Displays
This traveling exhibition brings a unique energy that contrasts with the museum’s permanent galleries:
| Feature | The “Giants” Exhibition | IMA Permanent Galleries |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Contemporary Black artists | Global historical art |
| Scale | Monumental, room-filling | Varied, intimate to mid-scale |
| Voice | Direct collector perspective | Traditional academic curation |
What This Means for the Local Community
Bringing “Giants” to Indianapolis is not just about showing famous art; it is about changing who feels welcome at Newfields. By highlighting living artists of color, the exhibition serves as a powerful bridge to Indy’s diverse communities, allowing local creatives, students, and families to see their experiences reflected in world-class art.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will the exhibition run?
The exhibition is a limited-time engagement; check the Newfields calendar for current dates. - Are tickets included in general admission?
No, this special exhibition requires a timed-entry ticket. - Is photography allowed?
Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use. - Can I bring children?
Yes, the vibrant colors and large scale make it highly engaging for families.
To make the most of this historic cultural milestone, reserve your timed-entry tickets online in advance, download the official Newfields audio app before you arrive, and give yourself at least two full hours to absorb the monumental scale and profound emotion of the Dean Collection.
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz art show at Newfields
