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Photography and Abolition

Museum Exhibit Art Gallery History

What’s Happening?

This groundbreaking exhibition explores the relationship between photography and American abolitionism as it coalesced in the decades leading up to and continuing through the US Civil War (1861–65). Including 225 works from 37 lenders, Photography and Abolition  features rare 19th century daguerreotype portraits of Frederick Douglass, John Brown, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, among other prominent figures, and explores the way abolitionists like Sojourner Truth used photography to self-promote and further their cause. 

Looking back to this history in their own contemporary works, artists Laylah Ali, Dawoud Bey, Omar Victor Diop, Nona Faustine, Glenn Ligon, Jeanine Michna-Bales, Lorna  Simpson, Rashod Taylor, Carrie Mae Weems, Amani Willett, William Earle Williams, and Hank Willis Thomas explore and question the way these historical images have shaped our understanding of the past and its resonance in the present. Sir Isaac Julien’s monumental five channel video installation Lessons of the Hour, on view at the heart of the exhibition, will also make its Kansas City debut. 

Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Generous support provided by Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce, Hall Family Foundation, Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Jr., Bill and Sara Morgan, G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund, Donald Hall Jr., Nancy and Rick Green, The Honorable Jon R. Gray and Dr. Valerie E. Chow, Eleanor and David Lisbon, Terra Foundation for American Art, The Ford Foundation, Campbell/Calvin Fund for Exhibitions, and Henry & Marion Bloch Foundation Fund.

This groundbreaking exhibition explores the relationship between photography and American abolitionism as it coalesced in the decades leading up to and continuing through the US Civil War (1861–65). Including 225 works from 37 lenders, Photography and Abolition  features rare 19th century daguerreotype portraits of Frederick Douglass, John Brown, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, among other prominent figures, and explores the way abolitionists like Sojourner Truth used photography to self-promote and further their cause. 

Looking back to this history in their own contemporary works, artists Laylah Ali, Dawoud Bey, Omar Victor Diop, Nona Faustine, Glenn Ligon, Jeanine Michna-Bales, Lorna  Simpson, Rashod Taylor, Carrie Mae Weems, Amani Willett, William Earle Williams, and Hank Willis Thomas explore and question the way these historical images have shaped our understanding of the past and its resonance in the present. Sir Isaac Julien’s monumental five channel video installation Lessons of the Hour, on view at the heart of the exhibition, will also make its Kansas City debut. 

Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Generous support provided by Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce, Hall Family Foundation, Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Jr., Bill and Sara Morgan, G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund, Donald Hall Jr., Nancy and Rick Green, The Honorable Jon R. Gray and Dr. Valerie E. Chow, Eleanor and David Lisbon, Terra Foundation for American Art, The Ford Foundation, Campbell/Calvin Fund for Exhibitions, and Henry & Marion Bloch Foundation Fund.

More about The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Enjoy free general admission to more than 5,000 years of incredible art, exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.
When & Where
From May 8, 2027 to Sep 5, 2027
Mon: 10:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: CDT
Thu: 10:00am - 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Fri: 10:00am - 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: CDT
Sun: 10:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: CDT
$26.00


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