I have been, and am currently, and always hope to be a Black revolutionary artist, and all that it implies.”

Celebrating the Life, Legacy, and Lasting Influence of a Visionary

This summer, art lovers and history enthusiasts alike have an extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies” brings together more than 100 works spanning Catlett’s awe-inspiring career—offering an intimate and powerful look at her artistry, activism, and enduring legacy.

Catlett was more than an artist; she was a revolutionary voice for justice. Through her sculptures, prints, and paintings, she tackled the urgent social issues of her time—poverty, racism, imperialism—giving visual form to the struggles and hopes of African Americans and oppressed peoples worldwide. Her work continues to speak with urgency and clarity today, inspiring all who remain committed to equality and liberation.

The Curators Behind the Vision

The exhibition is organized by a distinguished team of curators:

• Dalila Scruggs, Augusta Savage Curator of African American Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Catherine Morris, Sackler Senior Curator, Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Brooklyn Museum
• Mary Lee Corlett, Associate Curator of Modern Prints and Drawings (Retired), National Gallery of Art
  Supported by:
• Rashieda Witter, Curatorial Assistant, National Gallery of Art
• Carla Forbes, Curatorial Assistant, Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Brooklyn Museum

A Collaborative Effort

This landmark exhibition is the result of a powerful collaboration between the Brooklyn Museum, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Art Institute of Chicago. Together, these institutions have created a retrospective that not only celebrates Catlett’s artistic genius but also places her work in its rightful context—as a catalyst for cultural change and political awakening.

Why This Exhibition Matters Now

In an era when questions of equity, justice, and human dignity remain urgent, Catlett’s art offers both a historical lens and a timeless call to action. Visitors will encounter works that challenge, inspire, and invite deep reflection—reminding us that art has always been a vital force in the fight for justice.

Whether you are a longtime admirer of Elizabeth Catlett or are discovering her for the first time, this exhibition promises to be a transformative experience. It’s not just a show—it’s a conversation across generations about art, activism, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Exhibition Dates: Aug 30, 2025–Jan 4, 2026

Location: Art Institute of Chicago | 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Quote Credit: —Elizabeth Catlett, May 1970, in a speech delivered from Mexico to attendees at the Conference on the Functional Aspects of Black Art in Chicago, after Catlett was denied a US visa |Cover Art Image Credit: Blues Player, 1995.