Lorna Simpson’s “Source Notes” Opens at The Met

On May 19, 2025, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City opened the doors to “Source Notes,” a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated entirely to the painting practice of acclaimed artist Lorna Simpson. Known for her trailblazing work in conceptual photography, Simpson’s evolution into painting has drawn significant attention from the art world, and this showcase marks her most comprehensive presentation to date.

A Decade of Innovation

Simpson, born and raised in Brooklyn, first garnered recognition in the 1980s for her provocative photographic works that challenged traditional narratives around race, gender, and identity. Over the past ten years, she has channeled these same themes into her painting, producing deeply layered, visually arresting pieces. “Source Notes” presents over 30 of Simpson’s paintings, tracing her journey from photography into a vivid and experimental painterly language.

This exhibition features a variety of large-scale mixed-media works created over the last decade. Her painting technique involves a unique blend of figuration and abstraction. Simpson frequently incorporates images sourced from mid-20th-century publications like Ebony and Jet, transforming them with washes of ink, acrylic paint, and collaged elements.

Artistic Process and Themes

In her work, Simpson reimagines found imagery to explore ideas of memory, history, and the fragmentation of identity. Her use of vintage photographs, often screen-printed onto surfaces like fiberglass or wood, lends her paintings an archival quality. These pieces often depict figures partially obscured or dissolving into abstract forms, evoking the erasure and reconstruction of Black identity in American history.

Recurring motifs in her work include icy landscapes, fragmented body parts, and celestial elements, all of which underscore her interest in environmental themes and cosmic symbolism. Simpson’s paintings invite viewers to engage with complex narratives while leaving space for personal interpretation.

Exhibition Highlights

“Source Notes” is housed in Gallery 913 at The Met Fifth Avenue and runs through November 2, 2025. The layout encourages visitors to engage closely with the textural and visual intricacies of each piece. Each room is arranged to show the progression of Simpson’s ideas and methods, culminating in her recent works that feature increasingly abstract and dreamlike imagery.

Visitors are encouraged to attend public programming associated with the exhibition, including artist talks and musical performances inspired by Simpson’s artwork. These events aim to deepen the audience’s connection to the themes and techniques on display.

Cultural Significance

This exhibition not only celebrates Simpson’s artistic achievements but also affirms her role as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. By highlighting her shift from photography to painting, “Source Notes” showcases her ability to innovate across mediums while remaining anchored in her commitment to exploring race, identity, and social narratives.

Simpson’s work continues to challenge audiences to reconsider how images shape our understanding of identity and history. Her approach to integrating historical references with modern technique creates a powerful dialogue that resonates deeply in today’s cultural landscape.

Exhibition Details

• Title: Source Notes
• Artist: Lorna Simpson
• Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 913, New York City
• Dates: May 19 – November 2, 2025
• Admission: Included with general museum entry