Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers

For nearly three decades, artist Rashid Johnson has developed a multifaceted practice that spans history, philosophy, literature, and music. This major solo exhibition spotlights Johnson’s role as a thinker rooted in art history, an interpreter of Black popular culture, and a leading voice in contemporary art.

Featuring nearly 90 works—including black soap and wax paintings, spray-painted text pieces, large-scale sculptures, film, and video—the exhibition transforms the museum’s rotunda. Among the highlights is Sanguine, a monumental, site-specific installation on the top ramp, complete with a piano for live performances.

On the rotunda floor, a sculptural stage hosts a vibrant programme of events, created in collaboration with community partners from across New York City.

The exhibition is curated by Naomi Beckwith, Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator at the Guggenheim, and Andrea Karnes, Chief Curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, with support from Faith Hunter, Curatorial Assistant at the Guggenheim.