MFAH to Showcase Black Magazines' Photographers in 2027 Exhibition
From February 28 until May 31, 2027, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston will host an exhibition titled 'Bold and Brilliant: The Rise of Black American Magazines, 1930–1970.' This groundbreaking showcase focuses on the contributions of photographers linked to Black general-interest magazines across the U.S. Between 1930 and 1970, over 300 such magazines were launched, featuring well-known national titles like Ebony and Sepia, as well as local ones like Cincinnati's NIP and Harlem's Survey Graphic. These publications played a crucial role in allowing Black Americans to represent themselves before social media took off, influencing communities and cultural dynamics. The exhibit also explores themes like the Great Migration and the Civil Rights movement, highlighting Black American narratives through visual storytelling.
Key facts
- Exhibition title: Bold and Brilliant: The Rise of Black American Magazines, 1930–1970
- Venue: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
- Dates: February 28 to May 31, 2027
- First exhibition dedicated to photographers working for Black magazines
- Over 300 general-interest magazines were published for the Black community between 1930 and 1970
- National titles include Ebony, Sepia, and Newspic
- Local titles include NIP (Cincinnati), Survey Graphic (Harlem), and Eyes (Iowa City)
- Covers eras of the Great Migration, Civil Rights activism, and the Black Is Beautiful movement
Entities
Institutions
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Locations
- Houston
- United States
- Cincinnati
- Harlem
- Iowa City