The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is set to present a powerful and historic exhibition titled “The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole” in the Harrison Photography Gallery from February 1 to June 22, 2025. This exhibition, organized by Aperture and curated by Leslie M. Wilson, promises to shed light on the work of South African-born photographer Ernest Cole and his profound exploration of Black life in America during the 1960s and 1970s.
The True America will showcase Cole’s previously unpublished photographs of Black communities across the United States. These stunning images, many believed to have been lost for decades, offer a rare and invaluable glimpse into the lives of everyday people living through a period of significant social change. Cole’s lens captured the mood of Harlem, New York, and other cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Memphis, Atlanta, and Los Angeles—right before and after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Ernest Cole’s lens captured not only moments in history but also the enduring spirit and resilience of Black communities during a period of profound change in the United States,” said Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President. “We are honored to bring this exceptional exhibition to Minneapolis, where his work will resonate deeply with our audiences and reflect our commitment to showcasing powerful narratives that help us understand our shared past.”
A Glimpse into the Past and a Future Legacy
Following the success of Cole’s 1967 photobook House of Bondage, which revealed the horrors of apartheid in South Africa, Cole fled to the United States to continue his work with support from the Ford Foundation. His photographs document Black life in Harlem and beyond, showcasing not only the struggles of systemic racism but also the resilience and hope of Black communities navigating these challenges.
Mia’s exhibition provides an essential historical perspective, offering viewers a vivid portrayal of a time when the U.S. was grappling with civil rights and social justice issues. These photographs reflect Cole’s unique ability to capture both the beauty and the pain of life in these communities, while underscoring the deep inequities that still resonate today.
“Cole’s photographs offer an essential perspective on Black communities across the U.S. at a time when the nation was grappling with civil rights and social justice,” said Casey Riley, Mia’s Chair of Global Contemporary Art and Curator of Photography and New Media. “His work provides a vivid historical record, bringing us closer to understanding the systemic challenges that persist today.”
Ernest Cole: A Photographer’s Journey
Born in Transvaal, South Africa in 1940, Ernest Cole is best known for his photobook House of Bondage, which was reissued in 2022 by Aperture. After fleeing South Africa in 1966, Cole was forced into exile and became a “banned person.” He settled in New York, where his photographic career flourished. Cole was associated with Magnum Photos and received funding from the Ford Foundation to photograph Black communities across the United States. After extensive work in the U.S., he spent time in Sweden, where he became involved with the Tiofoto collective.
In 2017, more than 50,000 of Cole’s missing negatives, thought to be lost for over 40 years, were rediscovered in Sweden, offering a treasure trove of previously unseen images of Black life in America.
Curator Leslie M. Wilson
The exhibition is curated by Leslie M. Wilson, the Associate Director for Academic Engagement and Research at the Art Institute of Chicago. Wilson’s extensive research and curatorial work focus on the history of photography, African and African diaspora art, modern American art, and museum studies. She has been instrumental in bringing Ernest Cole’s work to the forefront of contemporary art discussions and will share her expertise in guiding this significant exhibition.
Plan Your Visit
“The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole” will be open for viewing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art from February 1 to June 22, 2025, offering an unmissable opportunity to engage with a groundbreaking collection of historical photographs. This exhibition is free to the public, reflecting Mia’s commitment to making art accessible to all.
For more information on this exhibition, including visiting details and ticketing, please visit The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole.