Composer, Jazz Pianist, and Frequent Artist Collaborator Jason Moran Picks His Favorite Works From artnet Galleries

One of the best-known and accomplished jazz musicians working today, Jason Moran is a man of many talents. In addition to being a performer, composer, and band leader, Jason is a boundary-breaking artist himself who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in contemporary art, including Julie Mehretu, Kara Walker, and Glenn Ligon. Jason‘s work is currently the subject of an exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts that explores the intersection of objects, sound, and performance.
The show—his first solo exhibition show to date—will travel this fall to the Whitney Museum of American Art, the perfect space for his genre-bending artwork and performances. Needless to say, his impact not only on music, but also the contemporary cultural landscape at large, has been profound. We recently caught up with Jason to talk about art, TV, his inspirations, and what works he would buy if he had an all-expenses-paid shopping spree.

Jason’s Favorite…

Work in his collection: Ming Smith’s photo of Sun Ra.

Party favor: Tequila.

Way to celebrate a success: Sleep!

Show to binge watch: I have yet to watch Game of Thrones—that may be next.

Song to play at a party: “It’s Time for da Perculator”

Way to spend a Sunday: Eating donuts with my family.

Breakfast food: Any egg dish.

Item to take a long flight: Noise-canceling headphones.

 

“The Beautyful Ones” Series #7
Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Njideka Akunyili Crosby, “The Beautyful Ones” Series #7 (2018). Courtesy of Victoria Miro Gallery.

 

Phantasmagoria
Alma Thomas

Alma Thomas, Phantasmagoria (1973). Courtesy of Michael Rosenfeld Gallery.

 

The Mete of the Muse
Fred Wilson

Fred Wilson, The Mete of the Muse (2004–2007). Courtesy of Galerie Mitterrand.

 

Black Cart
Martin Puryear

Martin Puryear, Black Cart (2008). Courtesy of HEMPHILL.

 

The Dark
Pat Steir

Pat Steir, The Dark (2007). Courtesy of Galerie Thomas Schulte.

 

A.C.A.D.E.M.Y.*
Louise Lawler

Louise Lawler, A.C.A.D.E.M.Y. (1987). Courtesy of HK Art Advisory + Projects.

 

*This artwork selected by Mr. Moran was no longer available, so it has been replaced by a similar piece by the same artist.