Spike Lee: Creative Sources at Brooklyn Museum, October 7, 2023 – February 4, 2024

“The Brooklyn Museum is proud to present Spike Lee: Creative Sources, a rare glimpse into the world of Spike Lee (born Atlanta, Georgia, 1957; raised in Brooklyn, New York), one of the most influential and prolific American directors, who has transformed the landscape of contemporary cinema and the art of filmmaking. Through an immersive installation of objects that have been touchpoints in his creative process, visitors will discover the sources of inspiration that have fueled Lee’s work. Organized around themes of Black American history and culture, Brooklyn, sports, music, cinema history, and family, the exhibition draws connections between the people, places, and ideas behind his creative endeavors. It also marks Brooklyn’s first major exhibition on Lee, an artist whose persona is synonymous with the borough.” — Brooklyn Museum 

Spike Lee: Creative Sources offers a fresh perspective on a cultural icon, focusing on the individuals and influences that have shaped Spike Lee’s body of work, which is so well known today,” says Gant. “By making Lee’s collection accessible to the public, this showcase celebrates his legacy while honoring his deep connection to Brooklyn, a place that has been an integral part of his storytelling.”

Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Danny Perez.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at the Brooklyn Museum | Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Danny Perez.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at the Brooklyn Museum | Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Danny Perez.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Danny Perez.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Danny Perez.
Installation view of “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at the Brooklyn Museum | Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

Spike Lee: Creative Sources is organized by Kimberli Gant, Curator, Modern and Contemporary Art, with Indira A. Abiskaroon, Curatorial Assistant, Modern and Contemporary Art, Brooklyn Museum.

Title image: Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon from She’s Gotta Have It (Spike Lee, 1986, 84 min.). (Photo: © David C. Lee). 

Images courtesy Brooklyn Museum.