Edges of Ailey

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. 

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Anonymous, AIDS Memorial Quilt with Alvin Ailey panel, 1987

A quilt with various panels commemorating individuals, featuring names, dates, and personal messages, including "Robert R. McGlone" and "Bill DePew."
A quilt with various panels commemorating individuals, featuring names, dates, and personal messages, including "Robert R. McGlone" and "Bill DePew."

Anonymous, AIDS Memorial Quilt with Alvin Ailey panel, 1987. Mixed media, 144 x 144 in. (365.76 x 365.76 cm). National AIDS Memorial. Edges of Ailey is part of the National AIDS Memorial’s efforts to bring the Quilt to communities across the United States to raise greater awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and to remember those lost to the pandemic

Artists

On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Maya Man, A Realistic Day In My Life Living In New York City

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.