The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., has unveiled a poignant new exhibit titled “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance.” This exhibit, which opened last week, celebrates Baldwin’s 100th birthday and sheds light on the significant role community played in his life and work.
In December 1973, Toni Morrison, then a senior editor at Random House, wrote a heartfelt letter to Baldwin, expressing her admiration for his work and her regret that his novel, If Beale Street Could Talk, was not published by her company. The letter, which reflects Morrison’s deep respect and affection for Baldwin, is among the many treasures on display at the National Portrait Gallery.
The exhibit showcases an eclectic array of materials including Baldwin’s personal correspondence, portraits, photographs, literature, and video projections. Curated by Rhea L. Combs, the gallery’s director of curatorial affairs, the exhibit aims to present Baldwin not only as a towering literary figure but also as someone deeply connected to the voices and communities that influenced him.
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“Oftentimes portraiture represents individuals in a hierarchical manner,” Combs noted. “When honoring James Baldwin, I wanted to reflect the community he was part of and deeply valued.”
The exhibit highlights influential figures from Baldwin’s circle, such as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, playwright Lorraine Hansberry, and singer Nina Simone. It also includes contemporary artworks from Faith Ringgold, who was reviewed by Baldwin, and photographs from Richard Avedon, with whom Baldwin collaborated on the book Nothing Personal.
In addition to Baldwin’s direct contemporaries, the exhibit features works from poets Marlon Riggs and Essex Hemphill, whose art was inspired by Baldwin’s legacy. These artists are included to represent the “passing of the baton” in the tradition of queer resistance, according to Combs.
Through these diverse contributions, “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon” offers a comprehensive view of Baldwin’s life and the values he championed: community, care, and chosen family.
The exhibit will be open to the public from July 12, 2024, through April 20, 2025, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore the rich tapestry of Baldwin’s influence and the broader narrative of queer resistance.
