Two New Exhibitions Open at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Today marks the exciting debut of two dynamic visual arts exhibitions at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). “Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction” and “Reset: Abstraction Embodied in Design” are now on display in the Rhimes Family Foundation Visual Arts Gallery, inviting visitors to explore the profound impact of abstraction on African American art and design.

“Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction” showcases 41 works by 38 artists, spanning from the mid-20th century to the present. This exhibition delves into abstraction as a powerful language of cultural memory, protest, identity, and transformation. It offers a unique lens through which to view the evolution of African American artistic expression.

Complementing this, “Reset: Abstraction Embodied in Design” shifts the focus from traditional art forms to design objects like chairs, rugs, and lighting. This exhibition explores how abstract designs transform everyday spaces into places of reflection and renewal, highlighting African diasporic influences on modern design and the emotional connections we form with functional objects.

These exhibitions provide a rich, immersive experience, encouraging visitors to reflect on how abstraction influences their environments and emotional landscapes. In addition to the exhibitions, a companion book, “Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction,” published by Rizzoli Electa, offers an in-depth look at the artworks and themes explored. The book is available for purchase at the museum’s store and online.

The creation of “Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction” was made possible through the generous support of the Terra Foundation for American Art, NMAAHC’s Advisory Council, its Corporate Leadership Council, and the Sunny Morning Fund.

Visitors are encouraged to book their timed entry passes to experience these groundbreaking exhibitions firsthand. For those unable to visit in person, the companion book offers a way to enjoy the art from afar.

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