Photo: Courtesy of Newfields Museum
Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean and Alicia Keys have once again taken their acclaimed Giants art exhibition on the road. This time, sharing their private—and carefully curated—collection of paintings, sculptures, and memorabilia with the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
In celebration of the exhibit—titled “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys”—making its way to Indy’s premier art institution, the multi-Grammy-winning couple hosted a grand opening weekend to help usher in its arrival. Met with a warm and friendly welcome, the preview party saw local and national media, dignitaries, celebs, and museum members enter through its doors for an exclusive first look.
Photo: Courtesy of Newfields Museum
Guests arrived at the museum’s expansive campus—shrouded in artfully manicured landscapes and greenery monuments—and made their way through the grand corridor and sweeping escalators to arrive on the fourth-floor level, which houses the new exhibit. “I’ve always heard that Newfields was a grand structure, but to finally see it in person feels a bit surreal,” exclaimed Indianapolis resident and museum patron Kim Shelton. Olivia West, the emcee and moderator for the exhibit’s opening weekend, shared a similar sentiment: “For people to be able to see themselves reflected within this new exhibit is a thrilling experience. And I hope that everyone will be able to come and enjoy what the museum has to offer.”
Covering the breadth of the entire floor space, and thematically sectioned by different eras, disciplines, and artisans, the exhibit calls viewers in with over 100+ breathtaking items from the Deans’ private collection—including timeless works by Gordon Parks, Kehinde Wiley, Amy Sherald, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Photos: Courtesy of Newfields Museum
During the reception, guests enjoyed rounds of tasty hors d’oeuvres and sparkling champagne, while a fun DJ set filled each corner of the museum with Top 40 hits. Outside, on the museum’s rooftop, The Trap Orchestra provided soft melodic blends of classic and modern R&B and hip-hop tunes as the warm Indy weather breezed through the patio crowd. As the sun set over the museum, the Deans took to the stage to describe their excitement and intention behind selecting Newfields. “This is absolutely special, and it’s been a profound opening weekend,” said Keys. “Every time we bring Giants to a new city, it’s always a beautiful experience—and there’s a discovery each time we see the exhibition.”
Chiming in agreement, Swizz Beatz added: “The title Giants represents everyone here today, because we want people to aspire to be their giant selves whenever the world tries to make you feel small. Being here is an honor and a privilege, and we’re so grateful to Newfields and everyone involved with making this happen.”
Originally organized in part by the Brooklyn Museum, alongside the Deans, the exhibit is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, and has already traveled throughout the country—previously making stops at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Speaking on the importance and cultural significance of the exhibit now being in Indianapolis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfields, Le Monte G. Booker, Sr., shared: “This venture has been in the works for about a year-and-a-half, and I couldn’t be prouder of the museum and our mission to help patrons see themselves in the works of art here. Newfields—and this exhibit—is fully open and welcoming to Indy’s entire community.”
The Giants exhibition is currently on display at Newfields and will run through February 28, 2027.
More information about the exhibit, tickets, and visiting hours can be found on the museum’s website.