New MFA Exhibit Honors Roxbury Native Artist John Wilson

John Wilson's artistic vision tells stories of the African-American diaspora in Boston, and a new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts is showcasing that to the public. For more, ask Alexa to play WBZ NewsRadio on #iHeartRadio.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
John Wilson was a celebrated artist in several mediums like drawing, painting, printmaking,
and sculpture, and guests that the MFA can now see
the largest collection of his work ever compiled. His experience
growing up black and Roxbury is central to his art
that explores the black experience in America, from the fight
for civil rights to just simple moments as a family.
Leslie King Hammond is one of the curators, and she

(00:20):
says Wilson's work is defined by his empathy in the
humanity he shows in his subjects.

Speaker 2 (00:25):
It has to bring people back to the center of
what being human is about and how we are already
a great nation and our work is is that we
have to find ways to do better, to be more
attentive to the needs of others.

Speaker 1 (00:43):
She says. Having an exhibit dedicated to Wilson and his
native city opens the door to inspire kids from his
neighborhood to follow the path he laid.

Speaker 2 (00:50):
They can see the possibilities that this is not impossible,
that this is doable, achievable, and this is worthy work.
And if they have the empathy and the willingness to
do the work, they too will end up having an
exhibition at an institution like.

Speaker 1 (01:06):
This, Witnessing Humanity, The Art of John Wilson runs from
now through June from the MFA. Kyle Bray WBZ, Boston's
news radio