Glenn Ligon's Whitney Retrospective Explores Race, Sexuality, and Text

Between March 10 and June 5, 2011, the Whitney Museum of American Art presented a mid-career retrospective of Glenn Ligon's artwork, curated by Scott Rothkopf, which included over 100 pieces spanning nearly 30 years. Ligon's artistic path began after he completed the Whitney's Independent Study Program in 1985, leading to his appearance in the 1991 Biennial. His collaboration with curator Thelma Golden allowed him to feature in the 1993 Biennial and the exhibition 'Black Male: Representations of Masculinity in Contemporary Art.' Notable pieces showcased were 'Door' paintings, 'To Disembark,' and 'Notes on the Margin of the Black Book,' along with 'Self-Portrait at Seven Years Old' (2005) and 'End of the Year Reports' (2003), culminating with his neon sculptures.