DonChristian Jones The Inaugural Adobe Creative Resident at MoMA

Courtesy DonChristian Jones. Photo: Destiny Mata

DonChristian Jones: The Sumptuous Discovery of Gotham a Go-Go Will Be on View at MoMA PS1 Starting on January 30, 2025

The Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1 announce The Sumptuous Discovery of Gotham a Go-Go, an exhibition by MoMA!s inaugural Adobe Creative Resident, DonChristian Jones (American, b. 1989), on view at MoMA PS1 from January 30 through April 28, 2025. The exhibition will transform one of PS1!s second-floor galleries into a mise-en-scène inspired by Jones!s studio in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The installation contains design elements inspired by film noir, Blaxploitation films, the Harlem Renaissance, and contemporary Ballroom culture—movements that historically required discretion for making and gathering.

Materials from Jones’s repertoire of paintings, photographs, music videos, event posters, performances, and radio shows will be featured alongside items sourced from their father’s life, including newspaper clippings and articles that he saved, as well as letters, that inspired Jones’s artistic practice. The exhibition also serves as an outpost for Public Assistants (PA), a cohort of interdisciplinary creators founded by the artist in 2020 as a space for queer and trans people of color to skill-share, create, and cultivate joy. DonChristian Jones: The Sumptuous Discovery of Gotham a Go-Go is organized by Elena Ketelsen González, Assistant Curator, MoMA PS1. The Adobe Creative Residency at MoMA is organized by Hannah Fagin, Associate Educator, Artist Programs, Department of Learning and Engagement, MoMA.

The Sumptuous Discovery of Gotham a Go-Go extends the artist!s ongoing practice of world-building, where fruitful encounters and performances may happen at any moment, online and in real life, at times programmed and at others by chance or necessity. Programs planned as part of the exhibition include conversations with artists Morgan Bassichis and Martine Gutierrez, live DJ sets, and a community storytelling workshop. On March 29, 2025, Jones and friends will stage the Gotham Ball, a kiki ball held in honor of Jones!s queer and trans artist community in NYC. Rooted in kinship and collaboration, much like Jones!s artistic practice, the ball will conclude their Adobe residency. Full program details to be announced.

DonChristian Jones is a New York–based artist, musician, and producer whose diverse artistic practice spans painting, music, film and video, time-based performance, and public murals, while blending genres of painting and performance installation. They have performed and exhibited at venues such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the New Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Shed. In the spring of 2020 Jones founded Public Assistants, a community design studio and mutual-aid hub located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

ABOUT THE ADOBE CREATIVE RESIDENTS AT MoMA:

The Adobe Creative Residents at MoMA awards one yearlong, sponsored residency to a New York City-based artist with a demonstrated commitment to engaging communities as part of their practice. The artist receives mentorship, access to the Museum!s archives and resources, curatorial guidance, and staff expertise. Embedded in MoMA!s Department of Learning and Engagement, the artist is able to deepen and focus their community-based practice. The Adobe Creative Residency provides an artist vital resources to sustain their career and concludes with the presentation of a public initiative that will engage the resident!s chosen collaborators and communities.

SPONSORSHIP:

The Adobe Foundation is proud to support equity, learning, and creativity at MoMA / se enorgullece de apoyar la equidad, el aprendizaje y la creatividad en el MoMA.