Nov 10, 2025–Apr 11, 2026
MoMA
Wifredo Lam’s work expanded the horizons of modernism by creating a seminal space that celebrates the cultural complexity and beauty of the Afro-descendant diaspora. Born in Cuba in the early 20th century, Lam shaped his political principles and commitment to modern painting amid the turmoil of war-torn Europe during the 1930s. His exile and eventual return to the Caribbean after eighteen years abroad enabled him to radically rethink his artistic project through the lens of Afro-Caribbean narratives.
Of both African and Chinese descent, Lam saw crafting his new artistic vision as much more than a self-reflective act. Famously, he declared his art to be an “act of decolonization.” His formal experiments, transforming figures and landscapes, and his affinity for poetry and collaboration allowed him to disrupt and transcend the colonial structures he encountered in art and life. As Lam himself noted, “I knew I risked not being understood by the common man nor the broader public, but true art has the power to engage the imagination, even if it takes time.” Wifredo Lam: When I Don’t Sleep, I Dream is the first major U.S. retrospective to present the full arc of Lam’s extraordinary vision, inviting audiences to perceive the world anew.
This exhibition highlights how Lam’s hybrid heritage and diasporic experiences informed his innovative fusion of surrealism, modernism, and Afro-Caribbean cultural symbols. Through a synthesis of painting, sculpture, and poetic collaboration, Lam confronts the lingering legacies of colonialism, offering viewers pathways to imagine postcolonial identities and cultural resilience. The show emphasizes the artist’s daring capacity to translate complex political and cultural narratives into compelling visual forms.
Hosted at MoMA’s Robert B. Menschel Galleries on Floor 3, 3 East, the exhibition includes key works such as “La jungla (The Jungle),” an iconic oil on paper on canvas piece that epitomizes Lam’s unique style and thematic concerns. The retrospective is curated by Christophe Cherix, The David Rockefeller Director, and Beverly Adams, The Estrellita Brodsky Curator of Latin American Art, with the support of Damasia Lacroze and Eva Caston.
For art lovers, scholars, and anyone interested in the intersections of art, politics, and identity, this exhibition is a vital encounter with one of the 20th century’s most visionary artists. Discover more and plan your visit by following the official exhibition page at MoMA – Wifredo Lam.
