As Phillip Collins settled into his Zoom call from Good Black Art’s New York City studio, a distinct sense of artistry filled the frame. Behind him, the lone artwork on the wall—a powerful piece titled “Classic Man II” (2021) by Nigerian artist Atanda Quadri Adebayo—seemed to command the room with its bold colors and dignified stance. Nearby, an unexpected architectural pillar added an old-world charm, contrasting beautifully with the modern expression of the painting. This juxtaposition of classical structure and vibrant art symbolized the mission of Good Black Art: to bridge cultural heritage with contemporary identity, making Black art accessible and deeply resonant.

 

“When I moved back to New York after a decade in Asia, I was honestly a bit lost,” Collins shares. “Art became my therapy, my connection to a world I was trying to re-enter. But as a new collector, I quickly saw the barriers—the high costs, and the lack of access to knowledge. That’s when my partner and I built our own collection, and Good Black Art was born out of this need to share what we’d learned with others.”

Founded on the belief that art should reflect one’s heritage and identity, Good Black Art curates collections that echo the narratives of the Black community on a global scale. His platform isn’t just about buying and selling; it’s about building relationships between artists and collectors, a value that Kelly Augustine, a celebrity stylist and influencer, experienced firsthand.

Good Black Art x Wayfair

“I was in the market for art that truly spoke to me as a Black woman, and that’s when Phillip and I crossed paths,” Kelly recalls. When Phillip’s collaboration with Wayfair came to fruition, she was among the first people he reached out to, knowing her home was a space where inclusivity and culture were deeply rooted. “Phillip gave me the freedom to choose pieces that resonated with me, and then he came over. We measured, taped, and talked about the energy I wanted in each room,” she says. Together, they created a gallery wall, thoughtfully piecing together works that reflected her values and history.

Launching October 29, Good Black Art’s collaboration with Wayfair is a milestone, offering limited-edition prints from an array of artists. For Kelly, this project “felt like a kismet moment,” bringing her vision to life with pieces like PJ Harper’s clay sculptures, which she describes as “graphic, striking, and full of joy.” The Wayfair project represents a new era for Good Black Art, one where representation, art, and community merge seamlessly into the home.

 

This theme of community extends beyond individual collectors. Good Black Art’s strategic partnership with Marcus Garvey Village, a new 17-story rental tower in the heart of Harlem dedicated to affordable housing, further illustrates Collins’ ambition to create spaces where art and life intersect in meaningful ways. In collaboration with Carthage Real Estate Advisors, Collins is transforming Marcus Garvey Village into a destination for art in Harlem, with a rotating gallery and community programming designed to bring art to those who might not otherwise have access. “This isn’t just about putting art on walls,” he emphasizes. “It’s about creating a space for discovery, education, and dialogue.” By bringing art into the lives of residents and visitors alike, Marcus Garvey Village is setting a new standard for how art can inspire and unite communities.

Who’s Behind Black Art?

For Collins, the mission of Good Black Art also lives on through media. His docu-series, in partnership with JCINTIME Production, “Who’s Behind Black Art,” now available on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity and the Xumo Play app, takes viewers into the lives of five emerging Black artists—Adrian Armstrong, Jewel Ham, Laurena Finéus, Mario Joyce, and Tae Ham. The series opens with a look into the artists’ worlds and later transitions into a roundtable discussion with art world luminaries, including ArtNoir Co-founder Larry Ossei-Mensah and philanthropist Dr. V. Joy Simmons, creating a holistic view of the Black art ecosystem. The series culminates with an exhibition of the featured artists’ works at the World Trade Center in New York, marking a significant moment for visibility and recognition.

 

Through initiatives like “Who’s Behind Black Art,” Collins is not only amplifying voices but also challenging norms about what Black art “should” look like. “People expect Black art to look a certain way, but Good Black Art is working to defy those stereotypes,” he says. The diversity of media and perspectives in his projects showcases Black creativity in all its forms, offering a fresh and expansive view of what art from Black creators can represent.

Making Living with Art a Reality for Everyone

Looking to the future, Collins is driven by a simple yet profound vision: to make living with art a reality for everyone. “We want to pave a way for people to live with art,” he says. Through collector spotlight features and partnerships with major retailers, Collins hopes to make art accessible in ways that resonate deeply with people’s lives and stories. “It’s not just about getting art into people’s homes,” he adds. “It’s about connecting art specifically to the home, putting it in that context and in that environment that makes it accessible and real to people.” 

 

As Good Black Art continues to grow, Collins remains committed to the values that sparked its creation: community, accessibility, and cultural connection. “I don’t know if this is my dream job,” he reflects. “But it’s my responsibility. I have the background, the experience, and the skill set to build something that helps our community.” And with each new initiative, from the Wayfair collection to community art programs, Collins is proving that his responsibility is not just a job—it’s a legacy.

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