Black History and Art Show at LA SoFi Stadium Corrects ‘Myth of Absence’

The process of creating art, like the experience of black people in America, is based on an innate ability to see beyond the bounds of circumstances and to believe that something wonderful will come with faith and commitment. When art and book collectors Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, the founders of the Kinsey African-American Art and History Collection, met an artist named Samuel Danson in 1999, they commissioned an oil painting simply because they were excited. His style. What will come out next year is a play called cultivatorsThis represents a family that moves confidently in the field of books.

“We used it as our main image, or logo, because this little brother saw in us that we were trying to share and build knowledge,” said Khalil Kinsey, the couple’s son, general manager and chief curator of the collection. Now, after an international tour since 2006, the Kinsey Collection is the first art show to be showcased at Inglewood’s SoFi arena, which is also its first appearance at a sports and entertainment venue.

The exhibition, which opened at SoFi in February and currently runs through June, features more than 70 works by renowned black artists (including Charles Ethan Porter, May Howard Jackson, Elizabeth Cutlet, Sam Gilliam, Ernie Barnes and Romar Barden). , Sculptures, photographs, rare books andd Letters (by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X) and curated in collaboration with historian Larry Earl. “It really chronologically reflects the evolution of African-American life in the United States through the lens of artistic contribution,” said Keynes.

Objects from the SoFi’s second floor still hang in the suite’s immediate vicinity from the 16th century, shared by Jay-Z, Rich Paul and LeBron James. The show was attended by Cedric Entertainer, musician Terrace Martin and players from the LA Rams.

The Kinsey collection that started Formed over 50 years ago, it has been seen by over 15 million visitors in over 30 cities around the world. What started as a passion-driven venture: Bernard was once a Xerox executive, Shirley a former schoolteacher. bo bloomedAn authentic archive of authentic African American art items and early ephemera in an effort to crystallize contributions from black artists, writers, opinion leaders, military and beyond to American society. “We were trying to ‘illuminate these stories of humanity and highlight the true meaning of black life and contribution to the American lens,'” Kinsey said.

Jason Witt, senior director of community affairs and engagement at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, said Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke envisioned the 300-acre site as a place for the public to gather throughout the year. A key component of the Kinsey Collection is the Dynamic Community Engagement Initiative, which works with schools in the Inglewood and Los Angeles area, as well as local non-profit organizations, to support a variety of educational programs, including field trips, school trips, and art. Education. “Teacher seminars, guest lectures and more,” he said. “Since early February, we’ve welcomed over 11,000 guests and nearly 4,000 students have visited the Kinsey Collection at SoFi Stadium.”

Next month, in celebration of June 11, SoFi will present additional work highlighting contemporary black artists in partnership with Inglewood Residence Art Gallery. “It’s really an informative experience of the past, present and future,” Kinsey said. (Sofi’s show is open Thursday through Sunday, tickets are $15.)” I dare say it’s BLueprint about what sports and entertainment venues can do as long as they offer a museum-level experience in their halls and halls. Learn more at sofistadium.com/kinsey.

A version of this story first appeared in the May 25 issue. the hollywood reporter Daily. Click here to subscribe.