Collecting art isn’t just about taste—it’s about power. And as Black History Month comes to a close, we’re looking at the collectors creating space for Black artists in museums, galleries, and their own homes.
Some recently found their way to collecting through careers in music, sports, or tech. Others have spent decades curating with purpose, or grew up surrounded by such artistic focus. Some have their eye trained on functional art, others explore the African diaspora, and many are working to reshape institutions from within. But they all share a common goal: ensuring Black artists remain at the center of the conversation, now and for generations to come.
The 2001 Ace Award Winner might be best known in the public eye for her work in fashion, beauty, and entertainment, but over the course of her life Tina Knowles has also become an ambitious art collector and philanthropist. In 2017, she and her now ex-husband Richard Lawson established Where Art Can Occur (WACO) Theater Center, an artist empowerment organization dedicated to creating opportunities for young people “beyond their zip code.” “I started collecting almost 35 years ago," she told CULTURED. "I began by researching to find artists in my price range. I knew I wanted to support Black artists and use my collection to do so.”
When she spoke to CULTURED, actor CCH Pounder opened up about her initial influences, namely her father and her late husband, Boubacar Koné, a journalist and curator born in Senegal with whom she co-founded the first contemporary African art museum in Dakar, Senegal. The couple later founded an art space in Los Angeles, and Pounder now continues to honor his legacy with the CCH Pounder-Koné Collection. "When I [first] fell in love with a painting," Pounder remembered, "somebody said, 'Well, what's its function?' It makes me happy, therefore it has a function. Now, with my extensive collection, I get to be happy a lot."
For many, the transition from an NFL career to the world of art collecting might seem like a leap. But for Malcolm Jenkins it was a natural evolution deeply rooted in the culture and creativity that shaped his upbringing. Growing up surrounded by paintings by his aunt, Cynthia Vaughn, Malcolm was introduced early on to the power of art in capturing the Black experience. However, it wasn’t until his retirement from football in 2022 that he immersed himself in the art world—driven by a desire to engage with the creative minds behind the works he loves. “Many of the pieces I acquire reflect the diverse experiences of the diaspora—our struggles, joys, and everyday moments," he told CULTURED. "I focus on contemporary artists but also deeply respect the titans who haven’t received their due recognition yet.”
After being photographed by the likes of Ming Smith in his youth, it’s no wonder Jahi Sundance chose to surround himself with art as an adult. The LA-based DJ, producer, and songwriter has toured with Grammy-winning artists including Robert Glasper and Christian McBride, and appeared on the stages of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In between tour stops and recording sessions, Sundance finds inspiration in a home filled with art. Many of the objects he collects are made by close friends and family. “My collection begins with my parents and the artistic community that I grew up in," he said. "My story starts around birth when I was given a handmade set of prayer/voodoo dolls from [legendary trumpet player] Olu Dara Jones. I was born into a family that was deep in the artistic community.”
Photography by Aaron Clarke and courtesy of Montague.
A Toronto-based dentist, art collector, and the founding director of nonprofit arts organization Wedge Curatorial Projects, Dr. Kenneth Montague has a deep connection and investment in African, Canadian, and diasporic art. He mans The Wedge Collection, one of Canada’s largest, privately owned contemporary art collections focused on Black culture. As he and his family prepared to move into their new home, Montague shared the origins of his art world fascination with CULTURED.
Spending his time off the court browsing the nation’s top art fairs, the former Miami Heat basketball player Maurice “Moe” Harkless (now with the Puerto Rican Criollos de Caguas team) opened his Los Angeles home to CULTURED to reveal his passion for art and his growing trove of works. "It started with the people around me pushing me to finally do it," he recalled of dipping into collecting. "I've always been into art and talked about it with my friends. One of my friends was pushing me to buy something and treat it as an investment. Once I started collecting, I wanted to keep collecting. I realize the value in holding onto pieces that speak to you and it's pretty cool to see your collection come together. It's special to see each piece and the meaning behind it and why you bought it."
