Alicia Keys and Kadeem Dean, aka Swizz Beatz, are sharing their coveted art collection with the world.
The couple, both of whom are born and raised New Yorkers, have put up their extensive collection for public viewing at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.
The exhibit titled “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection” “presents a focused selection from the couple’s personal holdings, spotlighting works by Black diasporic artists,” according to Brooklyn Museum.
Ninety-eight major artworks by Black American, African, and African diasporic artists including Gordon Parks, Kehinde Wiley, Esther Mahlangu, Barkley L. Hendricks, Lorna Simpson, and Amy Sherald are included in the exhibit, says the museum.
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The “Giants” in the exhibition’s title refers to the artists who are part of the collection including both the renowned legends and the contemporary ones shaking things up. It also refers to the “strong bonds” between the Deans and the artists they support.
‘Vocal advocates for Black creatives’
“Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have been among the most vocal advocates for Black creatives to support Black artists through their collecting, advocacy, and partnerships,” said Shelby White and Leon Levy Director Anne Pasternak in a statement. “In the process, they have created one of the most important collections of contemporary art.”
The Deans began collecting art over 20 years ago and have focused on supporting living artists, especially artists of color. The couple’s “shared passion for collecting, supporting, and building community among artists, particularly artists of color, is at the heart of the Dean Collection,” said Brooklyn Museum.
When will the ‘Dean Collection’ be on display?
“Giants: Art from the Dean Collection” will be on display at the museum from Feb. 10 to Jul. 7, 2024.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
