The Whitney Museum presents Edges of Ailey, an exhibition celebrating the life, work, and lasting legacy of renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey. Running from September 25th through October 26th, 2024, this is the first museum exhibition to honor Ailey’s profound impact on both dance and American culture. Blending visual art, live performances, archival materials, and a multi-screen video installation, the exhibition delves into Ailey’s personal and creative journey.
Featuring works by over 80 artists, Edges of Ailey explores themes central to Ailey’s life, including Black spirituality, migration, and the representation of Blackness in dance. Rare archival materials—choreographic notes, letters, and performance footage—help bring Ailey’s vision to life.
A standout feature is an 18-channel video installation curated by Adrienne Edwards, offering a visual narrative of Ailey’s most iconic performances. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can also enjoy live performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and students from The Ailey School in the museum’s third-floor theater. New works by leading choreographers such as Ronald K. Brown and Bill T. Jones will also be presented.
The exhibition showcases artworks by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Faith Ringgold, Kara Walker, and more, alongside new pieces by Karon Davis and Mickalene Thomas. Edges of Ailey is a must-see tribute to the legendary choreographer’s influence across both dance and Black artistic expression.
