Statement from School of Humanities Dean Nicolas Shumway:

For some forty years Brenda and Larry Thompson have been collecting art by African American artists. What began as an interest soon became a methodical endeavor that led them to seek works by particular artists and begin making connections between artists, periods, and movements. The result is a collection of astonishing breadth and beauty, certainly one of the best of its kind and a necessary point of reference for approaching the rich and essential contributions African American artists have made to art in general and to the development of our national culture.

The traditions to be redefined by this project are perhaps countless. As occurred in many southern universities, Rice was slow to embrace the diversity of our society. This has changed remarkably in recent decades, so much so that this year’s entering class, the class that will graduate in 2015, is the first to not have an ethnic majority, making our student body a much better reflection of the heterogeneity that defines our society and our city.

In addition, by focusing on substantive artists who are less well known than they should be, the exhibit uncovers a significant body of art that will influence how we understand and appreciate the breadth of American art. These works enjoin us to reconsider important questions like how and by whom is the artistic canon determined? To what degree must we study the life of artists to understand their work? In what measure can a work of art stand apart from its context? How do these works relate to previously recognized artistic schools and movements? In short, like all art, these are works that demand engagement and dialogue.

But most important for art lovers, this exhibit brings to our campus and our city works of stunning beauty and great emotional impact. Rice University is therefore delighted to participate in this project and is deeply indebted to the Thompsons for their commitment to building an extraordinary collection and their generosity in allowing it to play a central role in our celebration of the first 100 years of this great university.

SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP

Rice University thanks the donors whose generosity made this exhibition possible:

PepsiCo Foundation
H-E-B
Baker Botts LLP
Houston Arts Alliance
With additional support from:
The Kalu Group, LLC

KUHF-FM and Saint Arnold Brewing Company provide in-kind support.

This exhibition is supported, in part, by a special fund from the Office of the President at the University of Maryland, College Park, and a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.