Transformative Gift from Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez Bolsters Tate's Collection of African and Diaspora Art: Spotlight on Seydou Keïta's Untitled (1957-58)
In a significant boost to global art institutions' representation of diverse voices, Miami-based collectors Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez have donated 36 works by 15 artists from Africa and the African diaspora to the Tate network of museums. Announced on November 3, 2025, this generous gift, reported by ARTnews and the Tate press release, underscores the couple's commitment to amplifying underrepresented narratives in contemporary and modern art. Among the standout pieces is Untitled (1957-58) by Malian photographer Seydou Keïta, a poignant portrait that captures the essence of mid-20th-century African identity and self-expression. This article delves into the donation's scope, the philanthropists' background, the historical context of Keïta's work, and its implications for art scholarship and public engagement.
The Donors: Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez's Philanthropic Legacy
Jorge M. Pérez, a Cuban-born real estate magnate and founder of The Related Group, has long been a pivotal figure in Miami's cultural landscape. Alongside his wife, Darlene, the couple has amassed one of the most influential private collections of Latin American, Caribbean, and now African art. Their philanthropy extends to institutions like the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), which bears their name following a landmark $40 million gift in 2011. The Pérezes' focus on global south artists stems from a desire to foster cross-cultural dialogue, as Jorge has stated in various interviews, emphasizing art's role in bridging divides.
This latest donation to Tate marks their second major contribution to the British institution. In April 2023, they pledged a multimillion-dollar endowment to support acquisitions from Latin America and the Caribbean, accompanied by a donation of a major painting by Joan Mitchell. Now expanding to Africa, the gift aligns with Tate's mission to diversify its holdings, which have historically been Eurocentric. According to Tate director Maria Balshaw, quoted in the press release, "This transformative gift will enable us to share more stories from Africa and its diaspora, enriching our understanding of global modernisms." The Pérezes' involvement reflects a broader trend among collectors to use their resources for institutional equity, as seen in similar donations to museums worldwide.
Details of the Donation: A Diverse Array of Voices
The 36 works span paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations by artists hailing from countries including Mali, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Trinidad, and the UK. Key figures include:
- Ibrahim Mahama (Ghana), known for large-scale installations using jute sacks.
- Atta Kwami (Ghana), whose abstract paintings draw from West African textiles.
- Lisa Brice (South Africa), exploring feminist themes in figurative works.
- Michael Armitage (Kenya), blending myth and reality in oil paintings.
- Nolan Oswald Dennis (South Africa), addressing decolonial knowledge systems.
- Claudette Johnson (UK), focusing on Black female portraits.
- Kimathi Donkor (UK), depicting historical Black figures.
- Denzil Forrester (Grenada/UK), capturing vibrant nightclub scenes.
- Che Lovelace (Trinidad), evoking Caribbean landscapes.
- Charmaine Watkiss (UK), incorporating herbal lore in drawings.
- Zizipho Poswa (South Africa), creating ceramic sculptures.
- Victor Ehikhamenor (Nigeria), merging traditional motifs with contemporary media.
- Tesfaye Urgessa (Ethiopia), exploring identity through expressive figures.
- Wangechi Mutu (Kenya), known for collage and sculpture on gender and ecology.
This collection, valued in the millions, will be integrated into Tate Modern's displays, with some pieces potentially featured in upcoming exhibitions. The donation is part of an ongoing partnership, ensuring sustained support for acquisitions in these regions.
Spotlight on Seydou Keïta's Untitled (1957-58)
A highlight of the gift is Untitled (1957-58) by Seydou Keïta, a gelatin silver print that exemplifies the photographer's mastery in capturing Bamako's burgeoning urban culture during Mali's transition to independence. Keïta (1921–2001), a self-taught artist from Bamako, began his career in the 1940s after receiving a camera from his uncle. He opened a studio in 1948, becoming renowned for portraits that blended European photographic techniques with local aesthetics, as detailed in biographies from Smarthistory and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In this work, a young woman reclines gracefully on a checkered bedspread, her polka-dotted dress and headscarf creating a rhythmic interplay of patterns against a swirling arabesque backdrop. The pose, evoking both relaxation and poise, highlights themes of self-fashioning and modernity. Keïta's subjects often brought their own props and clothing, reflecting personal aspirations in a post-colonial context. As noted by the Guggenheim, his portraits document urbanization and social change in late colonial Bamako. This piece, printed later from the original negative, adds depth to Tate's photography holdings, offering insights into African modernism.
Keïta's work gained international acclaim in the 1990s through exhibitions like those at the Berggruen Gallery, where his 1950s and 1960s portraits were celebrated for their clarity and focus on identity. At Tate, it will complement collections exploring global portraiture.
Broader Implications for Tate and Global Art
Tate Modern, housed in a former power station on London's South Bank and designed by Herzog & de Meuron, attracts millions annually. This gift enhances its commitment to inclusivity, addressing criticisms of Western bias in museum collections. It may inspire exhibitions on African modernism, diaspora connections, and shared histories with Latin America.
For scholars, the works provide new research avenues into decolonial art practices. Publicly, they promote cultural exchange, as Darlene Pérez noted: "Art has the power to connect us across continents." The donation coincides with growing interest in African art markets, amid events like 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.
In essence, the Pérez gift not only enriches Tate's holdings but also advances a more equitable art world, with Keïta's Untitled serving as a timeless emblem of resilience and beauty.
FAQ
What is the Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez donation to Tate?
The donation includes 36 works by 15 artists from Africa and the African diaspora, aimed at diversifying Tate's collection.
Who are Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez?
They are Miami-based philanthropists and collectors, with Jorge founding The Related Group. They support institutions like PAMM and now Tate.
What makes Seydou Keïta's Untitled (1957-58) significant?
This photograph captures mid-20th-century Malian identity through patterned compositions and poised portraiture, reflecting social changes.
How will the donation impact Tate?
It strengthens Tate's focus on global south art, enabling new exhibitions, research, and public programs at Tate Modern and other sites.
Where can I learn more about the artists?
Visit the Tate website for updates, or explore resources like Smarthistory for Keïta's biography.
When will the works be on display?
Integration is ongoing; check Tate's exhibition schedule for announcements on viewings or online access.