Art21 Documentary on Precious Okoyomon Premieres July 22, 2026
On July 22, 2026, at 12 pm ET, Art21 will debut "Precious Okoyomon's Creative Destruction," a documentary directed by Haimy Assefa, available on Art21.org and YouTube. This short film delves into Okoyomon's artistic journey, which is influenced by their childhood memories of gardening with their grandmother and collecting toys. It showcases their captivating botanical installations and stuffed bear sculptures exhibited at the São Paulo Bienal and the Whitney Biennial. Through the lens of childhood toys and plant life, the artist addresses themes of freedom, racialization, and everyday violence. Additionally, a new site-specific commission by Okoyomon will be unveiled at MoMA PS1 on July 31, 2026. The film is part of Art21's acclaimed New York Close Up series, recognized at over 100 film festivals.
Key facts
- Art21 announced the release of "Precious Okoyomon's Creative Destruction" on July 14, 2026.
- The documentary premieres Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 12 pm ET on Art21.org and YouTube.
- The film is directed by Haimy Assefa.
- Okoyomon's practice includes allegorical garden installations and deconstructed teddy bears.
- The artist's work has been featured at the São Paulo Bienal and the Whitney Biennial.
- A new site-specific commission by Okoyomon opens at MoMA PS1 on July 31, 2026.
- The film is part of Art21's New York Close Up series.
- New York Close Up films have been honored at over 100 film festivals, including Academy Awards-qualifying festivals.
Entities
Artists
- Precious Okoyomon
- Haimy Assefa
Institutions
- Art21
- São Paulo Bienal
- Whitney Biennial
- MoMA PS1
- New York Close Up
- The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
- New York State Council on the Arts
- Henry Nias Foundation
Locations
- New York, New York
- New York City
- São Paulo
- United States