Sharif Bey: Homecoming

Drawing from the artist’s experiences across various creative communities, residencies, and partnerships, this exhibition celebrates Bey’s return to his hometown and the wealth of techniques, connections, and artistic insights he brings back with him. Bey creates complex sculptures inspired by modernism, functional pottery, and Oceanic and African art. With references to childhood memories of Pittsburgh’s urban landscape, his work provides commentary on identity and home that has multiple interpretations: the physical return to a meaningful place of origin, an introspective journey through personal history and memory, and a reconnection with artistic roots and traditions.

Bey’s monumental ceramic sculptures will be exhibited alongside artwork from our permanent collection by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. All three artists engage deeply with themes of identity, culture, and societal commentary, and their shared and diverging histories create dynamic dialogues on the complexity of American art.

Homecoming celebrates community arts education and highlights Pittsburgh’s enduring role as a crucible for artistic innovation, continuing the city’s rich tradition of supporting local communities and artists—an essential factor in Sharif Bey’s development and emergence as a significant voice in contemporary art.

Generous support of Sharif Bey: Homecoming is provided by Arts, Equity, & Education Fund™, Dawn and Chris Fleischner, Colleen and Henry Simonds, and The Fine Foundation. Additional support is provided by Albertz Benda NY/LA, Ellen and Jack J. Kessler, and Karl W. Salatka. The accompanying exhibition catalogue is funded by Arts, Equity, & Education Fund™, The Fine Foundation, and Concept Art Gallery.

The Warhol’s exhibition program is made possible in part through support provided by the Curatorial Vision Fund. Leadership support for the Curatorial Vision Fund is provided by Jim Spencer and Michael Lin. Generous support is provided by Trish and John Whitehill, and Brian Wongchaowart.

The Andy Warhol Museum is supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Allegheny Regional Asset District.