September 12, 2025–June 9, 2026
The Met
Celebrated contemporary artist Jeffrey Gibson has been commissioned to create four large-scale figurative sculptures for The Met Fifth Avenue’s exterior as part of the 2025 Genesis Facade Commission. This monumental project invites viewers to contemplate the profound interconnectedness between all living beings and their environment, a theme that permeates Gibson’s artistic practice.
Gibson’s distinctive approach is a rich fusion of Indigenous worldviews melded with abstraction, text, and vibrant color. Drawing from his heritage as a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, his work bridges diverse cultural influences, reflecting his upbringing across the United States, Germany, and Korea. Through abstraction and symbolism, Gibson challenges historical simplifications and misappropriations of Indigenous cultures, bringing forward new narratives that assert complexity, resilience, and presence.
His expansive oeuvre includes abstract paintings, performance art, filmmaking, and curatorial work, continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary Indigenous art. With this commission, Gibson contributes to a distinguished series of artist projects that enliven and reimagine the historic Met facade, transforming the public space into a vibrant dialogue between art, history, and community.
The Genesis Facade Commission, realized through a multiyear partnership with Genesis, is supported by key patrons including Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang, the Director’s Fund, Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky, alongside additional supporters such as Sarah Arison and the Bronzini Vender Family. The commission reflects the Museum’s commitment to elevating dynamic contemporary voices and fostering conversations on identity, culture, and environment.
Visitors can experience these monumental sculptures beginning September 12, 2025, through June 9, 2026, at The Met Fifth Avenue’s Exterior Facade. This commission not only honors Indigenous artistic contributions but also invites all viewers to reconsider their relationship to the natural world and cultural histories.
For further information and updates on the commission, please visit the official Met Museum exhibition page: The Genesis Facade Commission: Jeffrey Gibson, The Animal That Therefore I Am.
