As I step into the Whitney Museum’s latest exhibition, Edges of Ailey, the first thing that strikes me is the enveloping crimson that bathes the 18,000 square-foot gallery space. This rich red, reminiscent of theater curtains and church pews, immediately sets the tone for an immersive journey into the life and work of visionary choreographer Alvin Ailey.
The exhibition, curated by Adrienne Edwards, is a multisensory experience that defies traditional museum conventions. An 18-channel video installation forms a mesmerizing surround, alternating between quiet ambience and commanding presence. As I make my first lap around the space, I’m not focusing on individual artworks but instead absorbing the overall energy—the interplay of colors, the industrial ceilings, and the pulsing rhythm of movement on the screens.
It’s on my second lap that I begin to engage with familiar names: Kara Walker, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and other renowned artists whose works are in conversation with Ailey’s legacy. The curatorial choices reveal the breadth of Ailey’s influence and the cultural context in which he worked.
A Deeper Dive: Alvin Ailey’s Personal Journals
My third lap is slower, allowing for meaningful exchanges with the museum staff. One security guard and I discuss how best to engage younger generations with this collection of art and history. It becomes clear that Edges of Ailey is not just a visual spectacle but a multilayered discourse on American culture, Black experience, and the power of dance to transcend boundaries.
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the exhibition is Ailey’s journals, displayed in glass cases. As an artist who journals myself, I feel a kinship with Ailey as I pore over his handwritten notes. Some pages contain traditional paragraphs; others burst with sporadic one-liners, sketches, and cryptic notations. These intimate glimpses into Ailey’s creative process humanize the legendary figure, revealing the raw, unfiltered thoughts behind his groundbreaking choreography.
The exhibition doesn’t shy away from Ailey’s complexities. It addresses his experiences as a gay Black man navigating the dance world during tumultuous times, including the Civil Rights movement and the AIDS crisis. This frank exploration of identity and struggle adds depth to our understanding of Ailey’s artistry.
As I complete my fourth lap, I’m still discovering new details—small works that were invisible on previous passes, nuances in the video installations I’d overlooked. The exhibition’s density ensures that each visit yields fresh insights, making it a show that demands—and rewards—multiple viewings.
Why “Edges of Ailey” Is a Must-See
What sets Edges of Ailey apart is its multidimensional approach. It’s not just a retrospective of Ailey’s work but a holistic exploration of the cultural ecosystem he inhabited and helped shape. The exhibition spans over a century of artistic expression, from paintings and sculptures to music and dance footage, orbiting around Ailey’s singular vision.
As I prepare to leave, I overhear a gospel song emanating from one of the video installations. The soulful voices seem to encapsulate the spirit of Ailey’s work—at once deeply personal and universally resonant. I realize that I’ve experienced something more than an art show; I’ve been granted entry into the mind, heart, and creative process of a true American icon.
Edges of Ailey is a testament to the enduring power of Alvin Ailey’s legacy. It challenges us to see beyond the boundaries of traditional art forms and recognize the interconnectedness of all creative expression. As I head to my next appointment, an eye exam at a nearby doctor’s office, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of art and a deep gratitude for the chance to have experienced such a masterfully curated celebration of one of America’s greatest artists.
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WHERE: Whitney Museum of American
WHEN: Sept 25, 2024–Feb 9, 2025
