On January 13, 2021, Marian Goodman Gallery announced it will honor the late Okwui Enwezor with the launch of a new initiative, conceived by artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen, to create educational and research opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) curators with ICI.
A curator, art critic, writer, poet, and educator, Enwezor (1963-2019) championed the agency of African art, challenged the long-established narrative of European and North American art, and embraced a global perspective that opened countless doors for new voices and critical inquiry in the curatorial field. In this spirit, the initiative will empower emerging curators and support their thinking and practice.
“I hope with all my heart that this initiative can help to bring about a shift – and, of course, I wish that Okwui were still here to guide us,” said Marian Goodman. “As the gallery navigates these momentous times, it is important to start to address the imbalance and injustice that is embedded in the gallery and museum system. We are proud to partner with ICI to move towards these goals of change.”
“Okwui was always thinking about the future, always thinking ahead in order to create a healthier environment for all, no matter what the challenges were or what he, as a pioneer, came up against. This initiative is very much in his spirit, championing innovators in a field that he reinvented.” – Steve McQueen
