Mississippi Museum Of Art to Present 'Photography And The Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985'

The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) will present *Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985*, a landmark exhibition organized by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The show, on view from July 25 to November 8, 2026, examines how photographers and artists shaped Black visual culture during the civil rights era, using the medium to foster self-representation and community engagement. The exhibition features approximately 150 works by over 100 artists, including Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Dawoud Bey, and Romare Bearden. Many pieces—spanning photography, video, and collage—have rarely been displayed publicly. The collection draws primarily from the National Gallery’s holdings, including newly acquired works by Dawoud Bey, Carrie Mae Weems, and others, alongside loans from the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada. The show highlights the intersection of art, civil rights, and global movements, incorporating works from Africa, the Caribbean, and Britain. Themes include community, fashion, media, and ritual, illustrating how photography documented protests, celebrated Black identity, and influenced advertising and journalism. Some images capture iconic civil rights moments, while others reflect everyday life and cultural empowerment. Photography played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights by exposing inequality and advocating for change. The exhibition also underscores the Black Arts Movement’s impact on fashion and media, as Black photographers gained prominence in commercial and political spheres. By presenting diverse perspectives, the show offers a comprehensive view of the era’s artistic and social transformations.