Mississippi Museum of Art Celebrates Pioneering Abstract Expressionist Joe Overstreet
Jackson, mississippi – The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) is currently hosting “Joe Overstreet: Taking Flight,” a special exhibition showcasing the innovative work of the late African American artist. The exhibition,which opened February 24,2024,features approximately 30 paintings and drawings spanning Overstreet’s career,including his signature shaped canvases from the 1960s.
Overstreet, a key figure in the Black abstract expressionist movement, challenged conventional artistic boundaries with his dynamic, often multi-paneled works. “Taking Flight” offers a rare opportunity to explore the evolution of his artistic vision, from early figurative pieces to the immersive, spatially engaging compositions that defined his mature style. The exhibition underscores a critical moment in art history-the contributions of Black artists often overlooked within the canon-and highlights the MMA’s commitment to presenting diverse and inclusive narratives.
The exhibition includes “Untitled (Sun Ra series)” from 1967, an acrylic on shaped canvas measuring 40 x 28 x 2 5/8 inches, and a photograph of Overstreet with his 1968 painting, “North Star.” Works are on loan courtesy of Eric Firestone Gallery in New York, and are representative of the Estate of joe Overstreet/Artist Rights Society (ARS). “Joe Overstreet: Taking Flight” runs through May 26, 2024.
