Renowned photographer and creative pioneer Deborah Willis, Ph.D., has been awarded the prestigious 2022 Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art. This biennial award, presented by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of American art. Dr. Willis, a University Professor and Chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, is the fourth distinguished individual to receive this honor.
Dr. Willis is celebrated as an artist, author, and curator whose impactful work and extensive research delve into cultural histories, particularly those envisioning the Black body, women, and gender within the American landscape. Her multifaceted career encompasses roles as a celebrated photographer, an acclaimed historian of photography, and a recipient of prestigious fellowships including MacArthur and Guggenheim, alongside the 2014 NAACP Image Award. Her pioneering spirit and insightful perspectives have significantly shaped the understanding of American art and history.
Currently, her exhibition, The Black Civil War Soldier, is on display at the New York University Kimmel Windows Gallery until March 1, 2023. This exhibition, inspired by her book of the same title, features compelling portraits of Black soldiers captured in various settings – photographic studios, battlegrounds, and campgrounds. Willis connects these powerful images to the ideals of democracy and citizenship championed by Frederick Douglass. Through this exhibition, she aims to evoke the spirit of activism and honor the courageous actions of Black men and women, both enslaved and free, during the Civil War era and acknowledge the rights they fought for. Further demonstrating her curatorial expertise, she co-curated the exhibition ‘Free as they want to be:’ Artists Committed to Memory in Cincinnati, Ohio, a part of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial, which runs from September 30, 2022, to March 6, 2023.
Willis articulates her driving force: “There is something about looking at images that forces me to question the narratives of the past. I have long been puzzled by the imagery of Black peoples, and I have tried to make sense of the story that has been told.” This questioning and re-examination of historical narratives through visual mediums defines her pioneering approach to art and historical analysis.
The Don Tyson Prize, accompanied by a $200,000 cash award, was established by the Tyson family to honor the legacy of Don Tyson, the former chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods, recognizing individuals and institutions significantly advancing American art. This prestigious biennial prize is open to living individuals or institutions within the U.S. across all artistic mediums.
Upon receiving the prize, Willis expressed, “I am truly honored to be chosen to receive the prestigious Don Tyson Prize. I believe that the arts are essential in changing the world: by witnessing with reflection, uplifting diverse stories, and elevating multiple narratives of desire, pleasure and loss, I hope that my artistic practice, research and scholarship, teaching and mentoring advance justice and promote hope.” She further acknowledged, “I am grateful that my work, in community with so many important colleagues and friends, is affirmed by, and recognized with this important prize.” Her words underscore her commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change and her collaborative spirit within the art community.
Since its inception in 2012, the Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art has championed access and transformation within the art world. It aims to recognize pioneers who have redefined how we perceive, contemplate, and engage with American art. A distinguished jury of museum professionals and art historians, convened by Crystal Bridges, selects the recipient, emphasizing innovation, unconventional thinking, and risk-taking as key attributes. Past recipients have demonstrably broadened art accessibility, challenged established norms, and heightened public awareness of American art’s diverse landscape. This prize remains unique to Crystal Bridges, highlighting its commitment to fostering groundbreaking contributions in the arts.
The Tyson family’s dedication to Crystal Bridges extends beyond the prize, notably through their endowment of the museum’s Tyson Scholars of American Art program. John H. Tyson, Chairman of Tyson Foods and son of Don Tyson, is a founding member of the Crystal Bridges board, while his daughter, Olivia Tyson, actively contributes to both Crystal Bridges and its contemporary art space, the Momentary.
Olivia Tyson remarked, “We are all in awe of the accomplishments of Deborah Willis, whose unique perspective and work behind the lens has given us a deeper understanding of the rich cultural histories surrounding the Black body, women and gender.” She added, “I’m honored to have been involved in the process of selecting Dr. Willis as this year’s recipient of the Don Tyson Prize, strengthening my family’s commitment to elevating and advancing outstanding achievements in American artists and institutions.”
John H. Tyson echoed this sentiment, stating, “Deborah Willis’ contributions have transformed the place of photography in American art, and her work embodies all that the Don Tyson Prize represents.” He further noted, “My father believed in the power of American history and the American spirit, both of which Deb’s art explores and celebrates. The Tyson family is proud to partner with Crystal Bridges on awarding the prize to Dr. Willis.” These testimonials underscore the profound impact of Willis’s work and its resonance with the values of the Don Tyson Prize and the Tyson family.
The Don Tyson Prize, a highly anticipated recognition in the American art world, previously honored Houston-based Project Row Houses in 2020. Other distinguished recipients include Vanessa German (2018), a citizen artist known for her transformative art and advocacy, and the Archives of American Art (2016), the inaugural recipient of this esteemed prize.
For further information about the Don Tyson Prize, its past laureates, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, please visit the website.
