One of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, Gordon Parks, will be featured in a new exhibition at the Philbrook Museum of Art. The exhibition, titled Homeward to the Prairie I Come, opens on February 11, 2026, and presents more than seventy photographs by Parks. These works include images from his photojournalism and fashion assignments for LIFE magazine, portraits of figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, and examples of his experimental photography.
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was also known as a poet, filmmaker, author, composer, and activist. His work documented American life from the 1940s to the 1970s with a focus on African American experiences and the Civil Rights Movement. He once said: “I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs.”
Megan Whittaker Nesbit, CEO and President of Philbrook Museum of Art, commented on the significance of hosting this exhibition: “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.”
The exhibition features poetry and prose by Parks alongside images from his gift to Kansas State University. It is organized by the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University with support from Art Bridges.
Guest Exhibition Curator Jessica Provencher said: “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. 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.”
A notable addition to this show is Philbrook’s recent acquisition—Parks’s iconic 1942 photograph American Gothic—which reimagines Grant Wood’s painting from 1930.
The museum has planned related programming including film screenings, town hall discussions, curator tours, and community partnerships during the run of Homeward to the Prairie I Come.
Philbrook Museum serves over 160,000 visitors each year. Its collection includes more than 16,000 objects focused on American, Native American, and European art. The institution aims to foster new ideas through bold action while reflecting Tulsa’s history.
For further information about Philbrook Museum or its programs contact Jeff Martin at jmartin@philbrook.org or call 918.748.5352.
