The American Federation of Arts (AFA) is bringing Willie Birch’s first-ever career retrospective to museums across the country. Titled Willie Birch: Stories to Tell, the exhibition spans six decades of work, from the late 1960s to today, showcasing the New Orleans–based artist’s vivid portrayals of Black life, culture, and history. The national tour launches May 5 at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, with additional stops planned in New Orleans, Jacksonville, and New York through 2029.
A life devoted to narrative
Willie Birch has dedicated his career to storytelling through a variety of mediums. The retrospective presents more than 80 works, including paintings, drawings, wood and papier-mâché sculptures, and public art pieces. His art draws inspiration from jazz music, American folk traditions, and elements of Egyptian numerology, reflecting both the joys and challenges of everyday life in the Black community.
The exhibition is organized chronologically in three major sections. The first explores Birch’s early work in the late 1960s, followed by his papier-mâché sculptures in the 1980s, and concludes with large-scale charcoal and acrylic works on paper. Major installations are interspersed throughout, creating immersive experiences that highlight his ability to capture both private and public narratives.
A tour across four major cities
The national tour includes four key stops:
- California African American Museum, Los Angeles (May 5, 2026 – Oct. 21, 2026)
- New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans (March 20, 2027 – Sept. 5, 2027)
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville (Oct. 28, 2027 – May 14, 2028)
- Hudson River Museum, New York (Sept. 22, 2028 – Jan. 14, 2029)
Works are loaned from the artist, Fort Gansevoort New York, and prominent institutions including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Exploring cultural retentions
Throughout his career, Birch has examined how African traditions persist in American life. He describes these elements as “retentions” and often reflects on why certain practices and symbols endure over time. His work encourages viewers to consider the influence of history and ancestry while offering insight into the lived experiences of Black Americans before and after the Civil Rights Movement.
Scholarly context and publication
The exhibition is guest curated by Russell Lord, Chief of Curatorial Affairs at the Norman Rockwell Museum, alongside Amanda Hajjar, AFA’s Assistant Curator. A 208-page hardcover catalogue, edited by Lord and published by AFA in association with Yale University Press, accompanies the show. Essays by noted art scholars examine Birch’s artistic evolution, his impact on contemporary art, and the social significance of his work.
A career recognized and celebrated
Birch has received numerous honors, including the James Baldwin Fellowship, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Conference of Artists, and the Governor’s Award from Louisiana. He has exhibited at major museums nationwide, including the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and The Studio Museum in Harlem. His works are represented by Fort Gansevoort New York.
Enduring stories in art
Willie Birch’s retrospective is a testament to an artist who has chronicled the Black experience over six decades with empathy and precision. Through paintings, sculptures, and immersive installations, Birch’s work offers audiences the chance to witness culture, history, and everyday life through the eyes of a storyteller deeply embedded in his community.
Source: American Federation of Arts press release
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