Soul, Sound, and Voice

This exhibition showcases the profound influence of music in Jerry Pinkney’s life and work. Jerry Pinkey’s work centers on finding voice and building agency, particularly for young people. His art highlights the vital role that sound, song, and music 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. 
 

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. Ballads shows the artist’s dedication to retelling popular stories of the past. A Chorus of Voices features Pinkney’s picture books on African American traditions, historical events, and cultural contributions related to music. Finally, The Music Makers highlights Pinkney’s graphic design commissions portraying music legends from Ma Rainey to Jimi Hendrix.