Melvin Edwards in 'Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America'

This unique exhibition brings together works made in the past decade by thirty-seven artists who have addressed the concept of mourning, commemoration, and loss in response to racist violence experienced by Black communities in America. The exhibition explores themes of Black grief and a politically orchestrated white grievance in the wider context of social and political life in America. The show spans generations and a wide variety of media including video, painting, sculpture, installation, photography, sound, and performance. Alongside key historical works are a series of new commissions created in response to the exhibition concept.

Enwezor expressed a desire to open the exhibition close to the American presidential election, as a powerful response to a crisis in American democracy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the opening of the show, the works included speak powerfully to America’s past, present, and future.

Included in the exhibition are examples of Melvin Edwards' celebrated 'Lynch Fragments' series of sculptures including 'Texcali', 1965. Scroll down to watch an online conversation between Edwards and Massimiliano Gioni (Edlis Neeson Artistic Director, New Museum). This event is part of a series of talks which highlights the myriad practices of artists participating in the exhibition.

Artists featured in the show include Terry Adkins, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kevin Beasley, Dawoud Bey, Mark Bradford, Garrett Bradley, Melvin Edwards, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Charles Gaines, Ellen Gallagher, Theaster Gates, Arthur Jafa, Daniel LaRue Johnson, Rashid Johnson, Jennie C. Jones, Kahlil Joseph, Deana Lawson, Simone Leigh, Glenn Ligon, Kerry James Marshall, Tiona Nekkia McClodden, Julie Mehretu, Okwui Okpokwasili, Adam Pendleton, Julia Phillips, Howardena Pindell, Cameron Rowland, Lorna Simpson, Sable Elyse Smith, Tyshawn Sorey, Diamond Stingily, Henry Taylor, Hank Willis Thomas, Kara Walker, Nari Ward, Carrie Mae Weems and Jack Whitten.