Press Release: Museum of Fine Arts Celebrates John Wilson’s Legacy in New Retrospective
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) proudly presents "Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson," a significant retrospective honoring the late Boston artist and School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) alum. Co-organized with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the exhibit features 110 pieces that span Wilson’s prolific 60-year career, reflecting themes of racial injustice, resilience, and humanity.
Local painter Nancy Sabelski remarked on the painful lack of exposure Wilson’s work has received, despite its powerful messages. Born in Roxbury in 1922, Wilson lived in Brookline and served as a fine art professor at Boston University. His art intimately celebrates the Black experience, showcasing family and community ties while addressing the struggles of racial and economic inequality.
The exhibit includes haunting sketches for Wilson’s lost mural "The Incident," which powerfully conveys the painful legacy of lynchings in America. Student Briana Chen noted the diversity in Wilson’s styles and material, emphasizing his devotion to various communities.
Wilson’s journey took him from Boston to Paris and Mexico, where the influences of Cubist painter Fernand Léger and indigenous Olmec art profoundly shaped his work. His iconic bronze sculpture "Eternal Presence," also featured in the exhibit, stands at seven feet and serves to uplift Black identity within the local community.
The exhibition culminates with Wilson’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including the bust that became the first sculpture of an African American in the U.S. Capitol. Visitors can view this compelling collection through June 22, included with general admission. Tickets are available online, offering a chance to witness the remarkable artistry and social commentary of John Wilson.
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