The High Museum in Atlanta is hosting an exhibition featuring the celebrated musicians, songwriters, and producers Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys, who have been significant figures in the global cultural landscape for decades. As avid collectors, the Deans embody their philosophy of “artists supporting artists” by assembling a world-class collection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures by a diverse array of multigenerational artists.
This exhibition showcases the renown and impact of legendary artists who have pushed the boundaries of art. Prominent figures like Barkley L. Hendricks, Esther Mahlangu, and Gordon Parks redefine what is possible on canvas and in photography, laying a foundation for today’s Black creatives. Contemporary artists such as Hank Willis Thomas and Qualeasha Wood celebrate Blackness and critique societal norms using materials like textiles, steel, and beads. Meanwhile, the compelling works of Deana Lawson and Mickalene Thomas challenge and enrich perceptions of Blackness. The paintings of Amy Sherald and Titus Kaphar, embodying the exhibition’s “giant” ethos, captivate viewers with their striking monumentality. Together, these artworks illuminate the varied interpretations of the term giants and resonate with the Deans’ spirit, whose creative influence is woven throughout the exhibition.
The Dean Collection reflects the couple’s diverse interests, spanning their early acquisitions of albums, musical equipment, and BMX bikes, to their contemporary philosophy: “By the artist, for the artist, with the people.” Over the past twenty-five years, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have cultivated lasting relationships with artists worldwide, often visiting galleries, engaging with dealers, and honing their art appreciation. They have also leveraged their digital platforms to uplift both current and future giants of the art world. For Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, every artist is a giant.