John Wilson at the MFA: Art, Activism, and the Power of Representation

In honor of Black History Month, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is proud to present Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson, the most comprehensive exhibition of the esteemed artist’s work to date. Running from February 8 to June 22, 2025, this landmark exhibition is co-organized with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and showcases approximately 110 pieces spanning Wilson’s career.

Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Wilson (1922–2015) was a prolific artist and social activist whose works explore themes of racial injustice, disenfranchisement, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through prints, drawings, paintings, sculptures, and illustrated books, Wilson sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans. His powerful works, such as Deliver Us from Evil (1943) and The Trial (1951), expose the horrors of systemic racism, while his moving portraiture, including the Young Americans series (1972–75), captures the dignity and depth of his subjects.

A significant number of pieces in the exhibition come from the MFA’s own collection, including early self-portraits and depictions of Martin Luther King Jr. A centerpiece of the exhibition is a reduced-scale bronze maquette for Eternal Presence, the monumental sculpture installed at the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury. Wilson described this work as an image of "universal dignity," a sentiment that resonates throughout his artistic legacy.

As part of the exhibition experience, the MFA Shop is offering an exclusive publication, John Wilson: Witnessing Humanity, a beautifully curated catalogue. This comprehensive book features high-quality reproductions of Wilson’s artworks and includes insightful essays from leading art historians, curators, and peers. It provides an in-depth exploration of Wilson’s artistic journey and the cultural significance of his work, making it an essential addition to any art lover’s collection.

This Black History Month, celebrate Wilson’s artistry and activism by visiting the MFA to witness his powerful, thought-provoking work. Don’t forget to stop by the MFA Shop to pick up a copy of John Wilson: Witnessing Humanity or online, and bring a piece of this extraordinary exhibition home with you.