Jerry Pinkney, Illustration for Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World by Marilyn Nelson (Dial Books). Courtesy of Gloria Jean Pinkney. © 2009 Jerry Pinkney.
Soul, Sound, and Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney
This exhibition showcases the profound influence of music in Jerry Pinkney’s life and work. Jerry Pinkney’s work centers on finding voice and building agency, particularly for young people. His art highlights the vital role that spirit, music, and sound play in this pursuit. Pinkney is not only celebrated as one of America’s greatest watercolorists, but also as a preeminent illustrator who transformed children’s literature by making it inclusive of Black histories. His optimistic view was that through art and music, we can find common ground and heal the wounds of our shared past.
This exhibition is co-organized with the Woodmere Museum of Art.
Support for this exhibition is provided by Debbie Brodsky on behalf of the Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation, the National Endowment for Arts (NEA), and the Terra Foundation for American Art.
What to Expect
Visitors will move through three thematic sections in the exhibition. Soul explores Pinkney’s depictions of spirituality, and commitment to fostering empathy and connection. Sound features Pinkney’s books that explore the music of nature, lyrical poems and fables, and even the lives of famous musicians. Finally, Voice showcases Pinkney’s dedication to uplifting Black voices, from biographies to folklore and even fairy tales. A total of 76 works will be on view.
