Guggenheim Museum Unveils Rashid Johnson Retrospective

On April 18, 2025, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City unveiled "Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers," a comprehensive mid-career retrospective of the acclaimed contemporary artist. The exhibition, running through January 18, 2026, features nearly 90 works that span Johnson's diverse artistic practice, including black-soap paintings, spray-painted text works, large-scale sculptures, film, and video.

A highlight of the exhibition is "Sanguine," a monumental site-specific installation on the museum's top ramp, incorporating an embedded piano for musical performances. This piece exemplifies Johnson's interdisciplinary approach, blending visual art with music and performance.

The exhibition is organized by Naomi Beckwith, the Guggenheim’s Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator, and Andrea Karnes, Chief Curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Beckwith emphasized the exhibition's significance, stating, "This survey offers a profound exploration of Johnson's innovative use of materials and his engagement with themes of identity, race, and history."

Born in 1977 in Chicago, Rashid Johnson first gained critical attention in 2001 at the age of 24 when his work was included in "Freestyle," an exhibition curated by Thelma Golden at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Johnson's work explores themes of identity, race, and history, often utilizing materials like shea butter and black soap to delve into the complexities of the African American experience.

Johnson's art delves into themes of identity, race, and history, often incorporating materials rich in cultural significance, such as shea butter and black soap. These materials are traditional African products, linking his work to African heritage and diasporic identities. His practice engages with the traditions of both modern and post-black art, creating a unique synthesis of historical and material references grounded in African American and art history.

The exhibition's title, "A Poem for Deep Thinkers," is inspired by a poem by Amiri Baraka, reflecting Johnson's engagement with cultural narratives and personal histories. By showcasing nearly 90 pieces that interrogate cultural narratives and personal histories, the exhibition offers a profound commentary on the African American experience. The inclusion of "Sanguine," a site-specific installation with an embedded piano for musical performances, highlights the interdisciplinary nature of Johnson's work and its connection to music and performance art.

This exhibition marks a significant milestone in Johnson's career, reflecting 25 years of his evolution as an artist. His work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Johnson's innovative use of materials and exploration of complex themes have solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary art.

The exhibition offers a profound commentary on the African American experience through Johnson's innovative use of materials and exploration of complex themes. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of Johnson's work and its connection to music and performance art. The mid-career survey reflects 25 years of Johnson's evolution as an artist and his contribution to contemporary art discourse.

"Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers" is on view at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum through January 18, 2026. For more information, visit the museum's official website.