Today, renowned photographer and creative pioneer Deborah Willis,
Ph.D., received the 2022 Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of
American Art. Awarded biennially by Crystal Bridges Museum of
American Art, the Don Tyson Prize recognizes outstanding
achievement in American art. Dr. Willis, University Professor and
Chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at New York
University’s Tisch School of the Arts, is the fourth recipient of
the prize.
As an artist, author and curator, Willis' art and research has
focused on cultural histories envisioning the Black body, women and
gender. She is a celebrated photographer, acclaimed historian of
photography, MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellow, and recipient of the
2014 NAACP Image Award.
Her latest exhibition, The Black Civil War Soldier, on view
at New York University Kimmel Windows Gallery through March 1,
2023, is based on a book of the same name. Portraits of Black
soldiers, whether taken in a photographic studio, on a
battleground, or on a campground, are connected to the concept of
democracy and citizenship expressed by abolitionist and orator
Frederick Douglass. Through the work, Prof. Willis seeks to engage
that sense of activism and highlight the various acts of courage by
Black men and women, both bonded and free, during the Civil War, as
well as the rewards they received. She also co-curated the current
exhibition ‘Free as they want to be:’ Artists Committed to Memory
in Cincinnati, Ohio, running Sept. 30, 2022 - March 6, 2023, as
part of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial.
“There is something about looking at images that forces me to
question the narratives of the past. I have long been puzzled by
the imagery of Black peoples, and I have tried to make sense of the
story that has been told,” Willis said.
Featuring a $200,000 cash award, the Don Tyson Prize for the
Advancement of American Art was established by the Tyson family in
honor of the late Don Tyson, former chairman and CEO of Tyson
Foods. The biennial prize is awarded to living individuals or
institutions in the U.S. working in any medium.
“I am truly honored to be chosen to receive the prestigious Don
Tyson Prize. I believe that the arts are essential in changing the
world: by witnessing with reflection, uplifting diverse stories,
and elevating multiple narratives of desire, pleasure and loss, I
hope that my artistic practice, research and scholarship, teaching
and mentoring advance justice and promote hope,” Willis said of the
honor. “I am grateful that my work, in community with so many
important colleagues and friends, is affirmed by, and recognized
with this important prize.”
Access and transformation are at the heart of the Don Tyson
Prize for the Advancement of American Art. It was established in
2012 to identify and recognize individuals or organizations who
have changed the way we look at, think about, or experience art. A
jury of museum professionals and art historians empaneled by
Crystal Bridges recommends an individual or institution for this
recognition. Previous Don Tyson Prize recipients have made impacts
through innovation, outside-the-box thinking and risk taking. In
doing so, they’ve raised awareness, challenged preconceived
notions, removed barriers and ultimately increased accessibility to
art. The prize is the only one of its kind affiliated with Crystal
Bridges.
The Tyson family has a long-standing relationship with Crystal
Bridges, including endowing the museum’s Tyson Scholars of American
Art program. Tyson Foods Chairman and son of Don Tyson, John H.
Tyson is also an original member of the Crystal Bridges board, and
his daughter, Olivia Tyson, is involved with work at both Crystal
Bridges and its contemporary art space satellite, the
Momentary.
“We are all in awe of the accomplishments of Deborah Willis,
whose unique perspective and work behind the lens has given us a
deeper understanding of the rich cultural histories surrounding the
Black body, women and gender,” Olivia Tyson said. “I’m honored to
have been involved in the process of selecting Dr. Willis as this
year’s recipient of the Don Tyson Prize, strengthening my family’s.
commitment to elevating and advancing outstanding achievements in
American artists and institutions.”
“Deborah Willis’ contributions have transformed the place of
photography in American art, and her work embodies all that the Don
Tyson Prize represents,” Tyson Foods Chairman John H. Tyson said.
“My father believed in the power of American history and the
American spirit, both of which Deb’s art explores and celebrates.
The Tyson family is proud to partner with Crystal Bridges on
awarding the prize to Dr. Willis.”
The highly anticipated accolade returns after the 2020 prize was
granted to Houston-based organization Project Row Houses. Previous
recipients include Vanessa German (2018), a citizen artist whose
art explores transformation through art and advocacy, and the
Archives of American Art (2016), the first awardee of the Don Tyson
Prize.
To learn more about the Don Tyson Prize, past winners and
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, visit the website.
About Crystal Bridges Museum of American ArtThe
mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all
to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power
of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum
has welcomed more than 5.6 million visitors, with no cost for
admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a non-profit
charitable organization by arts patron and philanthropist, Alice
Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks
from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary
exhibitions. The museum is nestled on 120 acres of Ozark landscape
and was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A rare
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to
the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs
including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development
opportunities. Some 300,000 school children have participated in
the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides
educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the
schools. Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift
store, library, and 5 miles of art and walking trails. In February
2020, the museum opened a satellite contemporary art space in
downtown Bentonville called the Momentary (507 SE E Street). For
more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located
at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
About The Tyson Family FoundationEstablished in
1970, the Tyson Family Foundation supports efforts for education,
health, arts and culture and youth programs as well as a
scholarship program for Tyson Foods employees and their families.
The foundation has endowed and supported local, regional and
national organizations committed to furthering access to knowledge,
promoting creativity and supporting communities. The Foundation is
currently led by President Olivia Tyson.
Media Contacts:Amanda HornSenior Public
Relations DirectorCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the
Momentaryamanda.horn@crystalbridges.org (775) 636 2567
Susan BrownHead of Global Corporate CommunicationsTyson Foods,
Inc.Susan.brown@tyson.com (831) 233 4616
Sophia NeubaumPublic Relations Coordinator4media group
sophia.neubaum@4media-group.com(224) 623 9869
Angelena AbateEVP, Managing Director, Earned Media
StrategyKetchumAngelena.Abate@ketchum.com(646) 234 8060 (cell)
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