Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, the iconic power couple of the music industry, have announced their latest venture: an exhibition at the prestigious Brooklyn Museum. This anticipated event will showcase their extensive and rare art collection, revealing a new facet of their creative prowess.
The couple broke the news of their collaboration with the renowned New York City institution via Instagram. In a post that set the art and music worlds abuzz, the Deans, as they’re affectionately known, were pictured seated amidst their remarkable collection of paintings and art pieces. It was a glimpse of the artistic treasure trove they’ve been curating behind the scenes.
Swizz Beatz has been an avid art collector since the ’90s, and his passion seems to have rubbed off on his equally talented wife, Alicia Keys. Their shared love for art has led them to accumulate an impressive collection over the decades, estimated to be in the thousands. It’s no secret that Swizz Beatz’s connection with the art world runs deep, having served on the Brooklyn Museum’s board from 2015 until October last year.
The couple’s collection features rare pieces, including a striking 2018 Derrick Adams painting titled “Floater 74”. This piece, among others, will be on display at the upcoming exhibition.
Interestingly, the couple’s collection predominantly features works by African-American artists. Swizz Beatz explained this choice, stating that they deliberately focused on African American art because it was largely overlooked in the collecting world. He said, “The reason why we doubled down on African American art is because people weren’t collecting it. Things flow a little better now.”
Their commitment to supporting and promoting African-American artists adds another layer of significance to their collection. The couple’s efforts have helped shed light on the rich and diverse talent within the African-American art community.
The art exhibition, aptly named “GIANTS”, is a testament to the couple’s expansive taste in art. It’s set to open on February 10 at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibit will showcase art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.
“Been holding this incredible news close to the chest,” the couple wrote in their caption. “Now, it’s our pleasure to officially announce GIANTS: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys opening on February 10 @brooklynmuseum! Tickets to #GiantsBkM available now!!!!!! A MUST SEE SHOW. Let’s get 2024 started!!”
Kimberli Gant, a curator of modern and contemporary art who helped organize the installment, spoke to the New York Times about the Deans. She stated, “There is great brand recognition with the Deans, but they don’t know them as collectors.”
This exhibition is set to change that perception, showcasing the couple’s discerning eye for art and their commitment to supporting predominantly African-American artists.
The upcoming exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum is sure to be an exciting event for art and music enthusiasts alike. With Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys at the helm, “GIANTS” promises to be a unique fusion of music, art, and culture. It’s an opportunity for fans to explore the couple’s artistic passion and witness their impressive collection of rare art pieces.
The couple’s journey as art collectors, their focus on African-American art, and their collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum for this exhibition underline their commitment to the arts and their desire to share their love for it with the world.
