“The Guggenheim New York presents the Collection in Focus exhibition centering one of the most important works by the renowned artist, writer, and activist Faith Ringgold. The Reach of Faith Ringgold will spotlight Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach (1988), the first in a series of five monumental quilts that tells the story of a young girl who soars from her Harlem rooftop, celebrating her own freedom and self-possession. Looking to one key work, the exhibition explores Ringgold’s critical position in the canon of art history, building off the modernists who preceded her, and inspiring those who followed.

Marking the Guggenheim’s first presentation of Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach (1988), The Reach of Faith Ringgold will investigate her artistic forerunners and the lasting impact she has had on subsequent generations of artists. Tar Beach will be contextualized within the broader narrative of modern and contemporary art through works from the Guggenheim New York’s collection and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The exhibition will include pieces by modernists such as Marc Chagall, Jacob Lawrence, and Pablo Picasso, who preceded or were contemporaries of Ringgold, and contemporary American artists such as Sanford Biggers, Tschabalala Self, Mickalene Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems whose work reflects her legacy.” — Guggenheim New York

Installation views, The Reach of Faith Ringgold, May 9–September 14, 2025, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photos: David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

“Ringgold left an indelible imprint on the art world through her practice and activism,” states Naomi Beckwith, Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator, “and she also activated millions of children’s imaginations through her contributions as an author. The Guggenheim New York is utterly thrilled to center one of Ringgold’s iconic artworks, which was the subject of one of her award-winning books, in an exhibition that is sure to delight our visitors of every age.”

The Reach of Faith Ringgold is organized by Naomi Beckwith, Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator.

Title image: Faith Ringgold, Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach, 1988. Acrylic paint, canvas, printed fabric, ink, and thread, 74 5/8 × 68 1/2 in. (189.5 × 174 cm). Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York  Gift, Mr. and Mrs. Gus and Judith Leiber 88.3620 © 2025 Anyone Can Fly Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: Ariel Ione Williams.

Images courtesy Guggenheim New York.