News Release

First Major Retrospective of Multidisciplinary Work of Free Jazz Icon Milford Graves Opens Fall 2020 at Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

To launch its Fall 2020 exhibition season, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to present Milford Graves: A Mind-Body Deal, the first major retrospective of the many-layered and multi-faceted work of Milford Graves, exploring the practices and predilections of this extraordinary “jazz mind”. Spanning six decades and comprising over 40 works, the exhibition includes a collection of rare and never-before-seen hand-painted album covers and posters, idiosyncratic drum sets, multimedia sculptures, photographs, and costumes. Additionally, elements from Graves’ home, scientific studies, recording ephemera, and archival recordings will highlight pivotal research and moments from his monumental career and life.

This exhibition is co-presented with Ars Nova Workshop and is organized by Mark Christman, Artistic Director, Ars Nova Workshop, with Anthony Elms, Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, ICA, along with curatorial support by Jake Meginsky. The presentation of this exhibition will take place September 25, 2020 through January 24, 2021. 

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