The May 2025 roundup of Black art news reports the deaths of two influential figures: international curator Koyo Kouoh and artist-curator Evangeline J. Montgomery, who died at 94. Montgomery's career spanned metalwork, fiber art, and photography, and she was a key advocate and mentor in the African American art community, later working at the U.S. Information Agency. Other highlights include historian Edda L. Fields-Black winning a Pulitzer Prize for her book on Harriet Tubman, the acquisition of Adam Pendleton's entire "Who is Queen" installation by MoMA, and Kapwani Kiwanga winning the Joan Miró Prize. The Met Gala also featured Black dandy style inspired by the Costume Institute's exhibition "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."
This roundup matters because it captures a month of significant transitions and achievements in Black visual art and culture, from the loss of foundational figures to major institutional acquisitions and honors. The deaths of Montgomery and Kouoh mark the end of important careers that shaped art communities and global exhibitions, while awards and acquisitions signal ongoing recognition of Black artists and scholars. The coverage also highlights intersections between art, fashion, and history, reflecting the expanding influence of Black creativity across cultural sectors.