“Unveiling ‘The True America’: Ernest Cole’s Captivating Exhibition at Mia in 2025”

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is preparing to unveil a compelling and significant exhibition entitled “The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole” in the Harrison Photography Gallery from February 1 to June 22, 2025. This exhibit, coordinated by Aperture and overseen by Leslie M. Wilson, aims to illuminate the work of South African-born photographer Ernest Cole and his insightful examination of Black life in America during the 1960s and 1970s.

The True America will display Cole’s previously unreleased photographs of Black neighborhoods throughout the United States. These remarkable images, many of which were thought to have been lost for decades, provide a unique and priceless glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals enduring a time of significant social transformation. Cole’s camera captured the essence of Harlem, New York, along with other cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Memphis, Atlanta, and Los Angeles—just before and after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Ernest Cole’s lens immortalized not just historical moments but also the enduring spirit and tenacity of Black communities during a time of profound transformation in the United States,” stated Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President. “We are privileged to present this extraordinary exhibition in Minneapolis, where his work will deeply resonate with our audience and reflect our dedication to showcasing impactful narratives that aid in understanding our collective history.”

A View into History and a Future Legacy

Following the acclaim of Cole’s 1967 photobook House of Bondage, which exposed the atrocities of apartheid in South Africa, Cole escaped to the United States, continuing his work with the backing of the Ford Foundation. His images portray Black life in Harlem and beyond, highlighting not only the challenges faced due to structural racism but also the strength and optimism of Black communities navigating these obstacles.

Mia’s exhibit offers a crucial historical context, providing viewers with a vivid depiction of an era when the U.S. was struggling with civil rights and social justice concerns. These photographs reflect Cole’s extraordinary talent for capturing both the elegance and the suffering of life within these communities, while illustrating the profound inequalities that still echo today.

“Cole’s works present a vital perspective on Black communities throughout the U.S. during a time when the nation was contending with civil rights and social justice,” commented Casey Riley, Mia’s Chair of Global Contemporary Art and Curator of Photography and New Media. “His images serve as a rich historical account, bringing us nearer to comprehending the systemic issues that remain today.”

Ernest Cole: A Photographer’s Odyssey

Born in Transvaal, South Africa in 1940, Ernest Cole is most recognized for his photobook House of Bondage, which was republished in 2022 by Aperture. After escaping South Africa in 1966, Cole was compelled to live in exile and was deemed a “banned person.” He settled in New York, where his photographic career flourished. Cole was part of Magnum Photos and received backing from the Ford Foundation to document Black communities across the United States. Following extensive work in the U.S., he spent time in Sweden, where he became involved with the Tiofoto collective.

In 2017, over 50,000 of Cole’s lost negatives, thought to have been misplaced for more than four decades, were rediscovered in Sweden, revealing a treasure trove of previously unseen visuals of Black life in America.

Curator Leslie M. Wilson

The exhibition is overseen by Leslie M. Wilson, the Associate Director for Academic Engagement and Research at the Art Institute of Chicago. Wilson’s comprehensive research and curatorial activities emphasize the history of photography, African and African diaspora art, modern American art, and museum studies. She has played a crucial role in elevating Ernest Cole’s work in contemporary art discourses and will share her insights in directing this significant exhibition.

Plan Your Visit

“The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole” will be available for viewing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art from February 1 to June 22, 2025, offering an unmissable chance to engage with a pioneering assembly of historical photographs. This exhibition is free to the public, reflecting Mia’s dedication to ensuring art is accessible for everyone.

For additional details about this exhibition, including visiting information and ticketing, please navigate to The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole.

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