Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is set to present "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys," marking its Midwest debut. This exhibition will run from March 9 to July 13, 2025, in Mia's Target Galleries. It represents the first major showcase of the Dean Collection, owned by musicians Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys. The exhibition was organized by the Brooklyn Museum and features nearly one hundred works by Black diasporic artists such as Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, and Amy Sherald.

Katie Luber, Nivin & Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia, expressed the significance of this event: “This exhibition is a testament to the power of art to spark ‘giant conversations’ and to celebrate the generational achievements of Black artists around the world.” She added that Mia is committed to making art accessible to everyone and looks forward to showcasing this collection.

The exhibition explores themes related to Black identity through various media. It includes works by Derrick Adams, Arthur Jafa, Meleko Mokgosi—whose largest painting is part of the display—as well as portraits by Toyin Ojih Odutola and photographs by Parks. Personal objects from Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are also included.

Casey Riley, Chair of Global Contemporary Art at Mia, highlighted the timing: “Hosting ‘Giants’ in Minneapolis is especially poignant as we approach the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.” Riley noted that many featured artists address issues resonating deeply within the community.

"On the Shoulders of Giants" showcases elder artists like Esther Mahlangu with her abstract paintings inspired by South African Ndebele art. Photography legacy is represented through Kwame Brathwaite, Malick Sidibé, and Gordon Parks' images.

"Giant Conversations" focuses on societal critique with works such as Lorna Simpson’s "Tense" (1991), Nick Cave’s sculptures on protective "costumes," and pieces by Jerome Lagarrigue and Henry Taylor addressing homelessness.

"Giant Presence" concludes with large-scale works including Nina Chanel Abney’s "Catfish" (2017) alongside monumental paintings by Titus Kaphar and Meleko Mokgosi.

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have been recognized for their contributions beyond music. Their collection supports visual artists globally while engaging in dialogues about art and identity.

The Center for Racial and Health Equity at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota sponsors this exhibit locally. Bukata Hayes emphasized art's role in changing narratives: “Art empowers... creates valuable perspectives fostering vibrant communities.”

The exhibition was curated by Kimberli Gant and Indira A. Abiskaroon from Brooklyn Museum with support from various sponsors including Susan & Rob White; Best Buy; HGA; Mason Lane Art Advisory; Artful Living; John Thomson; funded partly through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant.

Tickets for "Giants" will be available in 2025.

###