Edges of Ailey | Art & Artists

Sept 25, 2024–Feb 9, 2025

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After Ailey

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Alvin Ailey died of AIDS-related complications on December 1, 1989, leaving the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) under the leadership of Judith Jamison, who began dancing with the company in 1965. 

Ailey said of his company: “This is not about Alvin Ailey. It’s about the future, about people going on, it’s about making a place . . . [that] could go on. That’s the high point, when that happens.” Edges of Ailey acts as a vantage point to reflect on this aspiration over thirty-five years later. Ailey—as idea, impetus, and inspiration—lives on through the flourishing dance company, school, and foundation that bear his name. The posters, programs, and ephemera on display in the exhibition offer insights into the company’s rich history and extensive reach. 

A quilt with various panels commemorating individuals, featuring names, dates, and personal messages, including "Robert R. McGlone" and "Bill DePew."
Funeral program for Alvin Ailey, Jr., 1931-1989. Services at First Baptist Church of Artesia, CA, Dec 12, 1989, 7 PM, and Rose Hills Memorial Park, Dec 13, 1989, 10:30 AM.

Artists

On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Frank WANG Yefeng, The Levitating Perils #2

Learn more about this project

Learn more at whitney.org/artport

On the Hour projects can contain motion and sound. To respect your accessibility settings autoplay is disabled.