Discover Boston’s Artistic Legacy: John Wilson’s Masterpieces Shine at MFA

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is showcasing an important retrospective of John Wilson, a celebrated local artist and a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. This exhibit, co-hosted by the MFA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features 110 pieces that span Wilson’s impactful 60-year career.

Wilson is well-known in Boston for addressing themes of racial injustice and resilience, yet his work remained largely unnoticed during his lifetime. Local artist Nancy Sabelski expressed her surprise when she learned about him after graduation, saying, “It’s painful but not surprising that this wonderful person’s work has not been well exposed to the general public.”

Born in Roxbury in 1922, Wilson spent much of his life in Brookline, where he also taught fine art at Boston University. His artwork deeply reflects his connections to family and community, presenting the Black experience with dignity amidst various struggles. His work resonates with viewers — Taylor Pierre, a criminal justice student, noted how Wilson addresses tough conversations about race, highlighting the complexities of these experiences through his use of contrast.

One striking aspect of the exhibit is the collection of sketches for “The Incident,” a mural painted in 1952 that, although now lost, captures the horrors of lynching during the Jim Crow era. Briana Chen, an art student, remarked on the quality and evolution in Wilson’s styles, noting how it showcases his dedication to diverse communities.

Wilson’s journey took him to Paris and Mexico, where he learned under the Cubist painter Fernand Léger. His exposure to various artistic influences shaped his work, including the renowned “Eternal Presence,” which aims to uplift Black identity in the community.

The seven-foot bronze sculpture, fondly called “Bighead” by locals, stands proudly at the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury. Featured in the exhibit’s short film, it symbolizes affirmation and strength within the Black community.

Sabelski described Wilson as a “masterful printmaker, sculptor, painter,” emphasizing the depth of his work in exploring the working class’s experiences and the impact of violence. His art transforms difficult narratives into compelling imagery.

The exhibit also pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wilson’s bust of King, completed in 1985, became the first sculpture of an African American in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibition features technical studies that illustrate Wilson’s careful approach to capturing King’s essence and legacy.

Don’t miss your chance to see “Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson.” The exhibition runs until June 22, and tickets are available online.