Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is set to present a new exhibition titled "The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole." This exhibition, organized by Aperture and curated by Leslie M. Wilson from the Art Institute of Chicago, will showcase Cole's photographs of various communities across the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The collection includes images that were believed lost for decades and will be displayed in Mia’s Harrison Photography Gallery from February 1 to June 22, 2025.

Ernest Cole gained recognition with his photobook "House of Bondage," published in 1967, which depicted life under apartheid in South Africa. After its release, Cole moved to the United States with support from the Ford Foundation. He continued his work in New York City, focusing on Harlem's community through street photography. In 1968, he traveled to cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Memphis, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and rural Southern areas capturing Black communities' experiences before and after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. A significant portion of these American negatives was rediscovered in Sweden in 2017.

Katie Luber, Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia said: “Ernest Cole’s lens captured not only moments in history but also the enduring spirit and resilience of Black communities during a period of profound change in the United States.” She emphasized that bringing this exhibition to Minneapolis aligns with their commitment to showcasing narratives that enhance understanding of shared histories.

Casey Riley from Mia added: “Cole’s photographs offer an essential perspective on Black communities across the U.S. at a time when the nation was grappling with civil rights and social justice.” Riley highlighted how these works provide historical insight into ongoing systemic challenges.

Born in Transvaal, South Africa in 1940 and passing away in New York in 1990, Ernest Cole became associated with Magnum Photos after fleeing South Africa as a "banned person" due to his work against apartheid. His involvement with Tiofoto collective led him to spend time in Sweden where over 50,000 negatives were found after being missing for more than four decades.

Leslie M. Wilson is noted for her expertise on photography history related to African diaspora arts among other subjects. Her curatorial efforts include projects like "not all realisms" at University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art.

This exhibition receives partial funding from both Ford Foundation and National Endowment for Arts.

Aperture serves as a nonprofit publisher fostering global conversations around photography since its establishment back in 1952 while supporting artists worldwide through diverse platforms including exhibitions like this one at Mia—home itself already rich with artworks spanning thousands years worth historical significance globally available free general admission always open public seeking inspiration via creative expressions presented within museum walls located Minneapolis area known simply affectionately referred often acronymically speaking locals alike just plain 'Mia.'