The Metropolitan Museum of Art has opened "Lorna Simpson: Source Notes," the first museum survey dedicated to Lorna Simpson's painting practice. Running from May 19 to November 2, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue, the exhibition features over 30 works spanning a decade, from her first painting to her latest series, alongside related works in other media. Simpson, known for her conceptual photography since the 1990s, explores identity and representation through screen-printed collages that incorporate vintage imagery from Ebony, Jet, and archival sources. The exhibition is supported by the Ford Foundation, Hauser & Wirth, and other donors.
This survey matters because it marks a significant institutional recognition of Simpson's shift from photography to painting, a medium she has boldly redefined over the past ten years. By focusing on her paintings, The Met highlights how Simpson continues to challenge boundaries of representation and identity, cementing her influence on contemporary art. The exhibition also underscores the ongoing importance of archival and found imagery in art, connecting historical media to current dialogues on visibility and race.