In a stirring homage to the legendary James Baldwin, the National Portrait Gallery unveils an exhibition that not only honors the centenary of Baldwin’s birth but also delves into the profound impact of his life and work. Curated by Rhea Combs and influenced by Hilton Als’ earlier work, the exhibition in the One Life gallery captures Baldwin’s essence through a lens of unity and built community.
The exhibition, aptly timed to commemorate what would have been Baldwin’s 100th birthday, serves as a reckoning, recognizing the influential figures who shaped Baldwin’s journey and those whose lives he touched.
“Baldwin has played a pivotal role in many lives, and this exhibition is our way to honor and acknowledge that,” Combs remarked.
At the heart of the presentation is the concept of chosen family—a theme that Baldwin himself embodied. Combs, along with Als, sought to explore the impact of Baldwin’s self-selected community on his identity and choices. This intimate circle, composed of fellow artists, activists, and friends, was instrumental in Baldwin’s life, providing support and inspiration.
The exhibition features an eclectic mix of visual arts, blending figuration and abstraction to expand traditional understandings of portraiture. Works by artists such as Glenn Ligon, Faith Ringgold, and Jack Whitten are showcased, each selected for their unique connection to Baldwin’s legacy.
Ligon’s pieces, inspired directly by Baldwin’s words, and Whitten’s reflections on pivotal moments like the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., offer profound insights into Baldwin’s world.
Curator Rhea Combs elaborated on the diverse representations of Baldwin’s influence.
“We wanted to represent various ways to understand and see Baldwin’s influence. This includes works that reflect his commitment to civil rights and social justice, making it imperative to include both figurative and abstract representations.”
An often overlooked but significant aspect of Baldwin’s life was the influence of women. The exhibition includes figures such as Nina Simone, Lorraine Hansberry, and Toni Morrison, highlighting their critical roles in Baldwin’s life and legacy.
“People might be surprised by the inclusion of some women who were not publicly associated with Baldwin but were influenced by his work,” Combs noted, pointing to Barbara Jordan as a prime example.
The exhibition also underscores Baldwin’s lasting legacy, particularly among queer artists like Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs. By including contemporary queer artists, the curators emphasize the reverberation of Baldwin’s life and work through successive generations.
A unique feature of the exhibition is the integration of archival materials alongside fine art. Photographs and artifacts from Baldwin’s circle, such as Bayard Rustin, are interspersed with artworks, elevating historical objects to the status of art. This approach provides a richer, more comprehensive narrative of Baldwin’s life and influence.
Reflecting on Baldwin’s profound impact, Auttrianna Ward, founder and creative director of Auttrianna Projects, stated: “His words encapsulate the Black American experience in the imperial core. Just angry enough at the absurdity of it all while also honoring our deepest truths as Americans – Black and white and all the above.”
The thematic depth of Baldwin’s work is captured by author Emmanuel Anifowoshe.
“It is my opinion that all great writers have a great theme that drives their work: a theme so expansive that they can write varied novels to explore its multifacetedness. James Baldwin’s was empathy.”
The exhibition highlights Baldwin’s direct approach to addressing issues faced by Black men in America.
Shaun Marble, a Harlemite and owner of Marble Title & Escrow, emphasized: “He did not bite his tongue for anyone and was direct about the issues Black men face in this country. He many times put white people in their place and made great logical points about things.
The Baldwin exhibition is not just a celebration of an individual but a testament to the power of community and the interconnectedness of human experience. As visitors explore the gallery, they are invited to reflect on the enduring impact of Baldwin’s words and the communities that sustained him.
“This exhibition is about recognizing the chosen family that bolstered Baldwin and understanding the collective strength that comes from such communities,” said Combs.
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