Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys' 'Giants' Exhibit Is Art Legacy Personified

By Bianca Gracie | March 19, 2024



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Barkley L. Hendricks (born Philadelphia, 1945–2017), “Pon de Rock (East View)” (2007). Part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY GLENN STEIGELMAN © BARKLEY L. HENDRICKS/COURTESY OF THE ESTATE OF BARKLEY L. HENDRICKS AND JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY, NEW YORK/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Barkley L. Hendricks (born Philadelphia, 1945–2017), “Pon de Rock (East View)” (2007). Part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY GLENN STEIGELMAN © BARKLEY L. HENDRICKS/COURTESY OF THE ESTATE OF BARKLEY L. HENDRICKS AND JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY, NEW YORK/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

The Brooklyn Museum (@brooklynmuseum) has long honored Black self-expression that defines not only the New York City borough that it rests in, but also Black pop culture as a whole. Most recently, the institution has showcased grand exhibits that celebrate visionaries like acclaimed director Spike Lee (Spike Lee: Creative Sources), photographer Jamel Shabazz (Jamel Shabazz: Faces and Places, 1980-2023) and designers throughout the African diaspora (Africa Fashion). Now, the museum is opening its doors to Swizz Beatz (@therealswizzz) and Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys).


Gordon Parks (born Fort Scott, Kan., 1912–2006, New York City), “Untitled, Miami, Florida” (1966, printed 2018) PHOTO BY: GLENN STEIGELMAN © THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION/COURTESY OF THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Gordon Parks (born Fort Scott, Kan., 1912–2006, New York City), “Untitled, Miami, Florida” (1966, printed 2018) PHOTO BY: GLENN STEIGELMAN © THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION/COURTESY OF THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

One of music’s biggest power couples, the pair have also become known for their impressive art collection that emphasizes the beauty of Black art. Now, it will be on display in an exhibit titled Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. Marking their first major exhibition (which runs through July 7), it celebrates the “giants” of the art world, including Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Jordan Casteel, Barkley L . Hendricks, Esther Mahlangu, Gordon Parks, Amy Sherald, Lorna Simpson and Kehinde Wiley, among others.

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Deborah Roberts (born Austin, Texas, 1962), “The Visionary” (2018). All part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY:  GLENN STEIGELMAN © DEBORAH ROBERTS
Deborah Roberts (born Austin, Texas, 1962), “The Visionary” (2018). All part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY: GLENN STEIGELMAN © DEBORAH ROBERTS

“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. In the process, they have created one of the most important collections of contemporary art,” says Anne Pasternak, Shelby White and Leon Levy director of the Brooklyn Museum.

Kwame Brathwaite (Brooklyn, N.Y., 1938–2023, New York City), “Untitled (Model Who Embraced Natural Hairstyles at AJASS Photoshoot)” (circa 1970, printed 2018) PHOTO BY: JOSHUA WHITE/JWPICTURES.COM © KWAME BRATHWAITE/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Kwame Brathwaite (Brooklyn, N.Y., 1938–2023, New York City), “Untitled (Model Who Embraced Natural Hairstyles at AJASS Photoshoot)” (circa 1970, printed 2018) PHOTO BY: JOSHUA WHITE/JWPICTURES.COM © KWAME BRATHWAITE/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

The exhibit opens with an introduction to Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. While they both established themselves as multi-award-winning artists (Beatz first entering the scene in the ’90s as Ruff Ryders’ in-house producer and Keys releasing her Grammy-winning debut album Songs in A Minor in 2001), they have expanded their influence in art, fashion and philanthropy.

The pair began collecting art over two decades ago with an emphasis on Black painters and photographers both seasoned and green. Following the introductory section, visitors will go through other sections like “On the Shoulders of Giants” (highlighting history’s impactful artists), “Giant Conversations” (which explores creative commentary around the world) and “Giant Presence” (featuring monumental artworks). The preservation of Black art is vital and, hopefully, this exhibit will inspire visitors to continue celebrating the culture.


Odili Donald Odita (born Enugu, Nigeria, 1966), “Place” (2018). All part of the Dean
Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY: GLENN STEIGELMAN © ODILI DONALD ODITA/COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY, NEW YORK/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Odili Donald Odita (born Enugu, Nigeria, 1966), “Place” (2018). All part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY: GLENN STEIGELMAN © ODILI DONALD ODITA/COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY, NEW YORK/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM


Jamel Shabazz (born Brooklyn, N.Y., 1960), “Morning Rush Hour, Brooklyn, NYC” (1980) PHOTO BY GLENN STEIGELMAN © JAMEL SHABAZZ/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Jamel Shabazz (born Brooklyn, N.Y., 1960), “Morning Rush Hour, Brooklyn, NYC” (1980) PHOTO BY GLENN STEIGELMAN © JAMEL SHABAZZ/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM


Jamel Shabazz, “Trio, Brooklyn, NYC” (1980). All part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY GLENN STEIGELMAN © JAMEL SHABAZZ/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Jamel Shabazz, “Trio, Brooklyn, NYC” (1980). All part of the Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. PHOTO BY GLENN STEIGELMAN © JAMEL SHABAZZ/COURTESY OF THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

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Photography by: All courtesy of the Dean Collection & Brooklyn Museum