Press Release: Museum of Fine Arts Celebrates John Wilson’s Legacy with a Powerful Retrospective
Boston, MA — The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) has launched a compelling retrospective honoring John Wilson, a revered local artist and alumnus of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. Co-organized by the MFA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the exhibit features 110 works spanning Wilson’s 60-year career, showcasing themes of racial injustice, resilience, and the human experience.
Wilson, who passed away without widespread recognition, was born in Roxbury in 1922 and subsequently became a professor at Boston University. His art focuses on family, community, and the Black experience, highlighting love amid struggle. Local artist Nancy Sabelski remarked on the pain of Wilson’s limited recognition, stating, “It’s painful but not surprising… I didn’t learn of Wilson until after graduating.”
Among the exhibition highlights are sketches for “The Incident,” a mural lost but vital in depicting the brutal history of lynching during the Jim Crow era. This poignant display is complemented by Wilson’s notable works, including the striking “Eternal Presence,” a seven-foot bronze sculpture aimed at uplifting Black identity.
“To create imagery that honored the working class… he explored the trauma of white violence,” noted Sabelski, emphasizing Wilson’s diverse artistry. The final room pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring the bust that became the first sculpture of an African American at the U.S. Capitol.
Running through June 22, "Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson" invites visitors to reflect on the profound impact of Wilson’s work, which continues to resonate today. Tickets are available online and included with general admission.
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