This unique event brings together the work of Glenn Ligon, one of the most prominent contemporary artists, alongside his carefully curated interventions within the museum’s galleries. Ligon’s work is renowned for its exploration of American history, literature, and society, offering a critical lens on race, identity, and culture.
Widely regarded as a leading contemporary artist, Glenn Ligon is best known for his text-based paintings, which incorporate the words of iconic writers such as James Baldwin, Gertrude Stein, and Zora Neale Hurston. Through these works, Ligon delves into the social, cultural, and political constructions of race. The exhibition also includes his original sculptures and prints, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of his artistry.
A highlight of All Over The Place is Ligon’s large-scale neon work, “Waiting for the Barbarians” (2021), prominently displayed at the museum’s portico entrance. This piece, along with others in the exhibition, creates a “thread” that weaves through the Fitzwilliam’s spaces, offering new and unexpected perspectives on the museum’s historic collection. Ligon describes this thread as “loose in some places, taut in others,” inviting visitors to engage with his work in a personal and serendipitous way.
Ligon’s site-specific interventions throughout the museum aim to peel back the layers of history and meaning embedded within the collection, encouraging visitors to question and reinterpret what they see. His dual role as both an exhibiting artist and curator adds a unique dimension to the exhibition, blending contemporary art with historical context.
Born in 1960, Glenn Ligon has built a remarkable career by exploring themes of identity and history through his art. He holds a BA from Wesleyan University and completed the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program. His work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, including ‘Post-Noir’ at Carré d’Art, Nîmes (2022); ‘Call and Response’ at Camden Arts Centre, London (2014); and his mid-career retrospective ‘America’ at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2011). Ligon has also curated significant projects, such as ‘Grief and Grievance’ at the New Museum, New York (2021), and ‘Blue Black’ at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis (2017). He has participated in major international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and Documenta XI, and continues to live and work in New York.
The exhibition remains free to visit, with the option for visitors to make a donation to support the museum’s exhibitions and displays. For groups larger than 10, advance booking is required. The Fitzwilliam Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 12:00 to 17:00.
The Fitzwilliam Museum is located at Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB. For further inquiries, you can contact the museum at +44 (0)1223 332 900 or email tickets@museums.cam.ac.uk. For more details or to plan your visit, check the museum’s official website.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to Ligon’s work, All Over The Place promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging experience, challenging viewers to see art and history in new ways. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore the work of one of today’s most influential contemporary artists.