I’ll admit it—as a New Yorker who moved to Atlanta in 2022, missing the “Giants” exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum earlier this year stung a little. So, when I heard it was coming to the High Museum of Art Atlanta, I knew I had to experience it. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this exhibit would resonate—not just because of the art by some of the most prolific artists of the 20th and 21st centuries but because of the energy it carries.
“Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” showcases nearly 100 pieces of art. The mind-boggling part is that it’s only 10% of the collection that Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys have amassed over the years. You can feel the weight of their intention in each piece, and it becomes clear why the exhibit is called “Giants.” It was like the Deans penned a love letter to all Black creatives, artists, and dreamers that they, too, are giants in their own right.
The High Museum of Art is honored to host the exhibit. “Many of these artists are featured in the High’s collection. So, it’s fitting for us to bring this exhibition to Atlanta,” said the High’s Director, Rand Suffolk.
[Article continued below]
One part of the exhibit that particularly struck me was the “Giant Conversations” section. Here, you’re not just looking at art. You can pause and really think about the messages these artists are sending. It felt less like a gallery stroll and more like an interactive dialogue, where the art asks the questions, and you answer in your own way, guided by your unique perspectives and experiences. It made me reflect on the art in my own home and inspired me to be more intentional about the pieces I choose.
As the Associate Editor at Home & Texture, I couldn’t help but think about how this translates into your everyday spaces. How can we make our homes a reflection of the same boldness and beauty? The way these artists have created something unapologetically theirs reminded me that our spaces should do the same—tell our stories, embrace our complexities, and celebrate who we are.
For anyone in the South—or anyone who missed it in Brooklyn—this is your chance. “Giants” is on display at the High Museum from Sept. 13, 2024, through Jan. 19, 2025. Trust me, this is one exhibit that will leave you walking a little taller and feeling like, well, a giant.
