The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is making a triumphant return to form with the exhibition “A Poem for Deep Thinkers,” co-curated by Naomi Beckwith and Andrea Karnes. This exhibition, which will be on view at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas from March 8 through October 4, 2026, before traveling to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, promises to inspire artists to take risks and play with the architecture.
Naomi Beckwith, the deputy director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator of the Guggenheim, is thrilled to see the museum embracing grand gestures once again. She notes that Rashid Johnson’s intervention in the exhibition is a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision of incorporating living plants into the building, emphasizing the idea that a museum is a dynamic entity that can house vitality and life.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Johnson’s installation, “Sanguine,” which features a lush vegetation that conceals a piano. Throughout the exhibition’s run, the piano will be activated with performances, adding an interactive element to the experience. Johnson has also designed a stage for the rotunda floor, where a series of performances and public programs will take place in collaboration with cultural partners such as the Academy of American Poets and Harlem School of the Arts.
Johnson’s work often explores the theme of platforming and amplifying voices in different communities. He sees the exhibition as an opportunity to learn from others and understand different perspectives. Visitors are encouraged to return to the exhibition multiple times to fully immerse themselves in Johnson’s thought-provoking works and performances.
“Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers” is a must-see exhibition that invites visitors to engage with art in a new and exciting way. The exhibition is on view at the Guggenheim through January 18, offering a unique and inspiring experience for all who visit.
