Art Institute of Chicago acquires "Harlem U.S.A." photo series by Dawoud Bey

Dawoud Bey, A Boy in Front of the Loews 125th Street Movie Theatre, 1976 (printed by 1979). Promised gift of Bruce and Vicki Adams. 

The Art Institute of Chicago has recently added the complete set of Harlem, U.S.A.--an iconic series of 25 images by acclaimed photographer Dawoud Bey (American, born 1953)--to its permanent collection. This major acquisition of photographs, almost all in vintage prints, has been made possible by contributions from more than two dozen patrons, including members of the Photography Committee and the Leadership Advisory Committee (LAC). To celebrate the occasion, the Art Institute will present Harlem, U.S.A. in the Modern Wing's Bucksbaum Gallery (G189) from May 2 through September 9, 2012 . This is the first time since its premiere more than 30 years ago that the artist's debut series will be seen in its entirety. An additional five photographs from that time--related to the series but never before printed or exhibited--have been donated by Bey to the museum and will also be on display.