PHILBROOK PRESENTS WORKS BY LEGENDARY PHOTOGRAPHER GORDON PARKS
Homeward to the Prairie I Come opens February 11, 2026
“I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs.”
(TULSA, OK. January 13, 2026) —One of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was also renowned as a poet, filmmaker, author, composer, and activist. He is best known for his photojournalism from the 1940s to the 1970s that documented American life and culture, particularly the experiences of African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement.
“Presenting this important work by Gordon Parks not only affirms our commitment to world-class exhibitions but also continues our ongoing work to engage with our broader community and partners,” says Philbrook CEO and President Megan Whittaker Nesbit.
Highlighting the life and career of Parks, Homeward to the Prairie I Come showcases poetry and prose by the artist alongside images from his gift to Kansas State University that convey a wide range of artistic ideas. The exhibition features more than seventy photographs, including images captured by Parks for photojournalism and fashion assignments at LIFE magazine, striking portraits of prominent figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, as well as examples of his experimental photography.
“Visitors to the exhibition will experience the multifaceted work of Parks and discover how the visionary artist used different forms of art to tell deeply human stories and highlight social injustice,” says Guest Exhibition Curator Jessica Provencher. “Whether you are drawn to photography, poetry, or film, you’ll find powerful images and stories in this exhibition that speak to both the pain and beauty of the human experience—and to Parks’ lasting impact.”
Alongside the works on loan from the Beach Museum will be a recent Philbrook acquisition, Park’s iconic 1942 photograph, American Gothic, a reimagining of Grant Wood’s 1930 painting of the same name.
A robust schedule of programming and community partnerships will support this exhibition with film screenings, town hall discussions, curator tours, and more.
Homeward to the Prairie I Come: Gordon Parks Photographs from the Beach Museum of Art is organized by the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University. Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
About Philbrook Museum of Art
Philbrook Museum of Art is committed to being Tulsa’s most welcoming and engaging cultural institution, providing a unique trifecta of experiences: a historic home, world class art museum, 25 acres of gardens.
Philbrook Museum of Art opened on October 25, 1939. The addition of a 70,000 square foot wing in 1990 turned the historic home into a modern museum complex. A major garden renovation in 2004 cemented the Museum’s reputation as “the most beautiful place in Oklahoma.”
Through bold action and strategic investment, we create a space for new ideas, diverse stories and perspectives, and social connection. The Philbrook Collection features more than 16,000 objects with a focus on American, Native American, and European art. Serving over 160,000 visitors annually, Philbrook shines a light on Tulsa’s storied and complex past while building a diverse and creative vision of the city’s future
Media Contact:
Jeff Martin
Director of Communications
Philbrook Museum of Art
918.748.5352
jmartin@philbrook.org
