Reviewed by: Pat Byington
BMA to showcase 200 years of Black American art with new exhibit, opening Sept. 26
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On Saturday, September 26, the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA) will unveil a landmark new exhibit called Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art. Comprised of 99 works by 87 Black American artists dating back to the 19th century, Roll Call affirms the presence, impact, and legacy of Black artists within the Birmingham Museum of Art’s collection—just as the BMA celebrates its 75th anniversary.
We got a sneak peek at the new exhibition ahead of its grand opening on Saturday, September 26.
About Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art
After nearly two years of planning, the Birmingham Museum of Art is ready to roll out a brand-new exhibition celebrating 200 years of Black American art. Spanning two centuries, the exhibition is a look at both Black American art and the story of how those works became part of the Birmingham Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
“We began planning and organizing this exhibition two years ago. When we first started we were looking at flat files that hadn’t yet been framed; it’s amazing to see the work our team has done to bring these works from flat files to the display-ready frames we see today.”
Jade Powers, Hugh Kaul Curator of Contemporary Art, Birmingham Museum of Art
According to BMA Interim Director and CEO Chantal Drake, the exhibition is comprised entirely of works from the BMA’s permanent collection, which totals more than 30,000 one-of-a-kind works of art. Since 1971, the BMA has collected more than 1,000 works by Black artists; Roll Call is an opportunity to see works from across that collection, including pieces that have rarely—or never—been on display before.
“The BMA has strived to be a museum that reflects our community, and Roll Call is the first exhibiton that we’ve had comprised only of our collection and of Black Artists. The first work in the exhibition was acquired in 1971, and we’ve been very intentional about our collection practices in the 55 years since. We’re very excited to show the community that this is something we’re committed to, and we can’t wait to see the community response.”
Chantal Drake, Interim Director and CEO, Birmingham Museum of Art
According to exhibition curator Jade Powers, Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art is divided into four sections:
- The Ground We Stand On explores the BMA’s early acquisitions of Black American art, beginning with its first work in 1971.
- In the Heart of It All hghlights Birmingham and Alabama’s role in Black American art and creativity.
- Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility celebrates the advocates, supporters and donors who helped grow the BMA’s collection.
- What Freedom Feels Like explores how artists express identity, freedom and possibility through their work.
“Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art highlights the BMA’s permanent collection through two lenses. The first ‘lens’ is about the work of Black American artists, and the second ‘lens’ is about how those works entered the BMA’s permanent collection. Both of these threads entertwine to tell the story that is Roll Call.”
Jade Powers, Hugh Kaul Curator of Contemporary Art, Birmingham Museum of Art
Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art opens on Saturday, Sept. 26
Ready to check out Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art? The new exhibit opens to the public Saturday, Sept. 26, and will remain on view through Jan. 17, 2027. The BMA is also offering extended hours on Thursdays throughout the run of the exhibition, giving visitors an opportunity to check it out after the traditional workday.
P.S. Museum members will receive a 50% discount on exhibition tickets.
Planning to check out Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art at the BMA? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
