Image: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is entering the closing days of 'Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys', which remains on view through August 9. The museum describes the presentation as its only West Coast stop on a nationwide tour of more than 130 artworks by Black diasporic artists, making the La Jolla run the inaugural display of the collection in the region.
Organized by the Brooklyn Museum in 2024, the exhibition brings together paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations by nearly 40 artists from Africa, Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. MCASD says the works in the show include a debut of a new large-scale piece by Mickalene Thomas from the personal collection of Swizz Beatz, also known as Kasseem Dean, and Alicia Keys. The institution presents the project as guided by the Deans’ philosophy, “By the artists, for the artists, with the people.”
The artist list spans several generations and practices, with names including Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Radcliffe Bailey, Ernie Barnes, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kwame Brathwaite, Jordan Casteel, Nick Cave, Arthur Jafa, Deana Lawson, Amy Sherald, Lorna Simpson, Jamel Shabazz, Henry Taylor, Hank Willis Thomas, Kehinde Wiley, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Mickalene Thomas. MCASD’s exhibition materials also highlight artists such as Gordon Parks, Malick Sidibé, Ebony G. Patterson, Deborah Roberts, Tschabalala Self and Kennedy Yanko among the broader group represented in the show.
The museum has framed the exhibition with a guide titled 'Representation and Resistance within Giants', which offers historical context, background on the artists and links to current events for visitors to reflect on. MCASD also notes an official exhibition playlist curated by Swizz Beatz for the museum, extending the project beyond the galleries into a musical format that aligns with the collection’s roots in music, culture and art collecting.
As the final week begins, MCASD is making a point of programming around the exhibition’s close. A closing celebration is scheduled for Friday, August 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. at MCASD, with all ages welcome. The museum says the night will be headlined by Joe Kay and will also include Sasha Marie, Dauché, FIC Studio Sessions featuring RIVA, Goldie and Speedy, along with a lowrider showcase by Mr. Bizar.
The same evening will include a special ArtLeadHer conversation between independent curator Mashonda Tifrere and Lisane Basquiat. Tickets for the closing celebration are listed at $65 for non-members, with member discounts available. MCASD also says new members who join within the week can receive one complimentary ticket with the code GIANTSMEMBER.
For visitors unable to attend the celebration, the museum lists the final public viewing days as Thursday, August 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, August 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Free Second Sunday on August 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., when admission is free all day and the museum will offer DIY artmaking during Play Day and live music with the Soul Sunday band.
