V. Joy Simmons, a longtime art collector and physician, opened her Los Angeles home in Baldwin Hills for a tour, revealing a vast collection of over 150 works by Black artists. The collection spans from early purchases like Elizabeth Catlett's 1973 lithograph 'Which Way?' to site-specific installations by Lauren Halsey and works by Romare Bearden, Kerry James Marshall, Mark Bradford, and Kehinde Wiley. Simmons, who began collecting in the 1970s while in medical school, has curated intergenerational juxtapositions throughout her home, including stained-glass windows by Varnette Honeywood and Joyce Dudnick, a church pew by Genevieve Gaignard, and a bottle tree sculpture by Dominique Moody.
This article matters because it offers an intimate look at a significant private collection focused on African American art, highlighting the role of Black collectors in preserving and elevating these works. Simmons's home functions as a living archive, showcasing both established and emerging artists, and underscores the importance of intergenerational dialogue in art collecting. The feature also reflects broader trends in the art world, where collectors of color are increasingly recognized for their contributions to art history and cultural preservation.