30 Americans showcases works by some of the most significant African American artists of the last four decades. This ground-breaking exhibition explores race, gender, and historical identity in contemporary context while highlighting diverse media, subject matter, and perspectives. Artists included here represent the core of an expanding number of talented individuals who are contributing their voices to the history of art in this country. Many of the works on view reveal not only the country’s changing view of race and class over the last 200 years, but also address the persistence of racism, violence, and marginalization in America today.

Works in this exhibition are part of the collection of the Rubell family. Based in Miami, Florida, they began to collect art in the 1960s and acquired works by African American artists as part of a broader mission to focus on the art of our time. To form their collection, the Rubells visited studios, spoke with artists in depth about their work, and received guidance from gallerists, curators, and the greater art community. Since that time, a movement has emerged that places African American artists at the center of artistic developments in the United States.

The following artists are included in 30 Americans: Nina Chanel Abney, John Bankston, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mark Bradford, Nick Cave, Robert Colescott, Noah Davis, Leonardo Drew, Renée Green, David Hammons, Barkley L. Hendricks, Rashid Johnson, Glenn Ligon, Kalup Linzy, Kerry James Marshall, Rodney McMillian, Wangechi Mutu, William Pope.L, Rozeal, Gary Simmons, Xaviera Simmons, Lorna Simpson, Shinique Smith, Henry Taylor, Hank Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Carrie Mae Weems, Kehinde Wiley, and Purvis Young.

 30 Americans at the Tucson Museum of Art is presented by Peter F. Salomon, Tucson Museum of Art Contemporary Art Society, Mike and Christine Hanson, Humberto and Czarina Lopez, Kautz Family Foundation, and Bank of America. Additional support provided by David Wohl, Betsy and Frank Babb, and Tucson Appliance and Furniture Company.

Generous support of the 95^th season at the Tucson Museum of Art is provided by Connie Hillman Family Foundation, Jon and Linda Ender, James J. and Louise R. Glasser, and the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown.

The museum would like to extend a special thanks to the 30 Americans Community Advisory Committee: Debi Chess Mabie, Dr. Michael Engs, Wanda F. Moore, Sandra Nathan, John-Peter Wilhite, Barbea Williams, and Timothy Williams.