“On the centennial of Baldwin’s birth, it is important to look at this prolific thinker and writer, not only for his visionary insights but his influence that still resonates,” Combs said. “Baldwin was bolstered by a community of like-minded creatives, including Lorraine Hansberry, Nina Simone and Bayard Rustin, and his influence remains steadfast in the next generation of activists and artists. This exhibition seeks to highlight Baldwin’s significance through a collective portrait that not only offers a portrait of him, but also honors those who helped him become the man known for holding a mirror up to America and her promise.”

Born in Harlem, New York, Baldwin (1924–1987) considered himself “a witness” and used his writings and his work to talk about America and its history. Attempting to ensure the United States “kept the faith,” Baldwin was often recognized for speaking out against injustice when other like-minded artists, collaborators and organizers were overshadowed. Baldwin’s formative years—growing up poor in New York City, serving in the ministry during his teen years, his personal essays and novels and working closely with civil rights activists of his time—greatly influenced who the artist would become and how he carefully negotiated what were considered acceptable ideas of race, gender and sexuality.

“This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance,” presents portraits in a range of media and ephemera to reveal how Baldwin’s sexuality and faith, artistic curiosities and notions of masculinity—coupled with his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement—helped to shape this formidable figure. Images feature Baldwin alongside other gay civil rights activists who affected his life, notably Rustin—the political activist and principal organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom—and writer and playwright Hansberry. Portraits of fellow creatives in Baldwin’s circle will also be on view, including Beauford Delaney, Essex Hemphill, filmmaker Marlon Riggs and singer Simone. The exhibition will feature works by artists Lyle Ashton Harris, Richard Avedon, Beauford Delaney and Bernard Gotfryd, along with contemporary art by Glenn Ligon, Donald Moffett, Sedat Pakay, Faith Ringgold, Lorna Simpson and Jack Whitten.

“This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance” is the first exhibition presented by the Portrait Gallery dedicated to Baldwin and inspired by the 2019 exhibition “God Made My Face: A Collective Portrait of James Baldwin,” curated by Als. The richly illustrated companion publication, published by the National Portrait Gallery and DelMonico Books • D.A.P., will feature select writings by Baldwin on themes of gender politics and religion.

“This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance” is presented with the support of the Ford Foundation and Tommie L. Pegues and Donald A. Capoccia. Additional support has been provided by the Portrait of a Nation Gala.

National Portrait Gallery

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery tells the multifaceted story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped American culture. Spanning the visual arts, performing arts and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists whose lives tell the nation’s story.                    

The National Portrait Gallery is located at Eighth and G streets N.W., Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000. Connect with the museum at npg.si.edu and on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.  

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Source: National Portrait Gallery