Grace Bonner, who founded her eponymous label in 2014, is the featured artist in the 16th installment of MoMA’s Artist’s Choice series. The programme dates back to 1989 and has included notable participants such as Amy Sillman and Yto Barrada.
Entitled Artist’s Choice: Grace Wales Bonner – Spirit Movers, the exhibition features 50 works and will be on display in the museum’s street-level galleries until 7 April 2024. Known for her exceptional tailoring and a trailblazer in the fashion world, Bonner has expanded from menswear to womenswear since 2018, collaborating with industry giants such as Dior and Adidas. Celebrated for her ability to convey concepts of identity and expression, Bonner’s artistic perspective aligns seamlessly with MoMA’s commitment to progressive ideas and creative education.
Drawing inspiration from the diverse sounds, styles and experiences of the African diaspora, the creative director’s curated selection focuses on artworks that illuminate black cultural and aesthetic practices. Bonner explains: «The title Spirit Movers encapsulates the various histories that are explored and manifested through a range of artistic disciplines, from wood carving to photography». The exhibition features artists such as Terry Adkins, Moustapha Dimé, Agnes Martin, Man Ray, Betye Saar and Artist’s Choice contributor David Hammons, representing a diverse group of multi-generational artists from around the world.

Photography of EMILE ASKEY

Photography of EMILE ASKEY

Photography of EMILE ASKEY

Photography of EMILE ASKEY

Lady with a Long Neck. 1992
Wood, iron and paint, 6′ 8 1/2″ x 39″ x 12″ (204.5 x 99 x 30.5 cm). Gift of Agnes Gund and Daniel Shapiro. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photography of Jonathan Muzikar . Courtesy of ARTIST RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS)

Photography of EMILE ASKEY

Reggie Nicholson, Henry Threadgill Sextet, Village Vanguard, New York City. 1988
Gelatin silver print, 14 1/2 × 21 5/16″ (36.8 × 54.2 cm. Geraldine J. Murphy Fund. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Courtesy of ANTHONY BARBOZA

Washington, D.C. 1957
Gelatin silver print, 6 3/4 × 10" (17.1 × 25.4 cm). Gift of
John C. Waddell. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Courtesy of FOUNDATION HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON

Rahsaan Roland Kirk. 1964
Gelatin silver print, 11 1/2 × 7 1/4″ (29.2 × 18.4 cm). Gift of Richard L. Sandor. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Courtesy of THE HEIRS OF W. EUGENE SMITH