Dr. Ashley James made history as the first Black curator to work full-time at the Guggenheim Museum. As Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, she stands at the forefront of preserving and championing Black art during a time when it faces significant political challenges. The NYC native and daughter of Jamaican parents brings her unique perspective to one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions.
The Groundbreaking Role of a Black Curator in America’s Art Scene
For James, curating goes beyond simply hanging artwork on walls. “The role of a curator is to research, preserve, and exhibit works of art for the enrichment of the public,” she explains. “It means playing close attention to artists, what and why they make work—and then determining how to best communicate the meaning of these works.”
Her appointment at the Guggenheim marks a significant milestone in the art world, which has long struggled with diversity. James acknowledges these challenges, saying, “I think the art world reflects the very same racial, gender, national, etc. biases that determine other institutional formations.” Despite these obstacles, she has found meaningful collaborations across demographic lines.
Preserving Black Art Amid Political Challenges and Threats
Black art currently faces direct political threats. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” The order represents a major blow to Black artists and creatives who depend on key funding and programs.
Art historian Kelli Morgan highlighted the severity of the situation, writing: “By imposing federal control over the Smithsonian museums—specifically targeting the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)—this order seeks to rewrite history through a white supremacist lens.” These actions extend to public art as well, with the recent removal of a Black Lives Matter mural near the White House—painted during the 2020 pandemic.
The Rich Legacy of Black Art Movements and Their Contemporary Impact
The Black Art Movement of the 1960s and 1970s played a crucial role in establishing Black identity and expression. It challenged Eurocentric art standards and created new spaces for Black voices. This legacy continues to inspire contemporary Black artists and curators like James.
James cites “Soul of A Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power” as a pivotal exhibition in her career. Originally curated by Zoe Whitley and Mark Godfrey for the Tate Modern, James organized the Brooklyn Museum iteration. “It was a wonderful experience in terms of the organizational process and the exhibition itself,” she reflects. “I learned so much about making shows and the artists in that show continue to inform my thinking about contemporary art more broadly.”
Navigating the Art World as a Black Woman and Breaking Barriers
As a Black woman in curatorial spaces, James has had to confront unique challenges. “Of course as a Black woman I’ve had to navigate imposed expectations and deliberate occlusions,” she notes. Yet she remains focused on her mission to elevate important artistic voices.
Her position at the Guggenheim represents more than personal achievement. It opens doors for future generations of Black curators and signals a shift in major art institutions toward greater inclusion. Through her work, James demonstrates that art should indeed “speak to the people and for the people,” as she puts it.
The Vital Role of Art Preservation in Maintaining Cultural Identity
For James and many others, preserving Black art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safeguarding history and cultural identity. As Nina Simone famously stated, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” Black art captures crucial moments in history that might otherwise be erased.
Despite political efforts to diminish Black existence in artistic spaces, James remains committed to her work. Her curatorial practice represents a form of resistance in itself, ensuring that Black artistic voices remain visible and celebrated in major cultural institutions.
