Genesis has launched its latest exhibition, the Genesis Facade Commission: Jeffrey Gibson, The Animal That Therefore I Am, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This exhibition, part of a multi-year partnership with the museum, will be on display until June 9, 2026. It showcases four new site-specific bronze sculptures created by the interdisciplinary artist Jeffrey Gibson, marking a significant development in contemporary art.
The Genesis Facade Commission began in 2024 as an annual initiative to enhance the museum’s Fifth Avenue facade with contemporary art. Each year, a different artist is invited to create works that engage with audiences and stimulate dialogue within the global art community. Following last year’s exhibition by the acclaimed artist Lee Bul, Gibson presents a striking collection that blends his cultural heritage with modern abstraction.
This year’s sculptures, each standing approximately three meters tall, represent a deer, a coyote, a squirrel, and a hawk—all animals native to both the Hudson Valley, where Gibson’s studio is located, and to Central Park, the museum’s immediate environment. The exhibition’s subtitle draws inspiration from the 2002 text by French philosopher Jacques Derrida, prompting reflections on the interconnectedness of life and the impact of human activity on animal habitats.
Gibson’s artistic approach combines traditional Indigenous elements with contemporary materials. The bronze sculptures feature intricate patterns reminiscent of beadwork and textiles, integrating motifs that honor Indigenous visual traditions. By incorporating diverse materials like wood, beads, and cloth, Gibson creates a rich texture that enhances the dialogue between the animate and the inanimate.
The exhibition invites visitors to ponder the relationships between living beings, nature, and urban spaces. “The second exhibition of The Genesis Facade Commission encourages an exploration of the connections between humans, animals, and the environment,” stated DooEun Choi, Art Director of Hyundai Motor. “Gibson’s work continues to foster discussions on cultural diversity and coexistence.”
Artistic recognition surrounds Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent. He has been acknowledged as a leading voice in contemporary Indigenous art, with a diverse upbringing spanning the United States, Germany, and Korea. His body of work often addresses themes of identity and collective experience, utilizing Indigenous aesthetics to propose new perspectives on abstraction and form.
In conjunction with the exhibition’s opening, an artist talk titled An Evening with Jeffrey Gibson was held on September 15, 2025. This event provided insights into Gibson’s creative journey and the conceptual framework of the new commission.
Genesis Art Initiatives, the brand’s cultural outreach program, aims to support visionary artists and institutions that engage with contemporary challenges. The initiatives include not only the Genesis Facade Commission but also the upcoming exhibition, Do Ho Suh: Walk the House, at Tate Modern, running through October.
Genesis, as a global automotive brand, emphasizes performance, design, and innovation while advocating for sustainability and cultural dialogue. The collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art exemplifies its commitment to inspiring profound conversations that transcend traditional boundaries.
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art remains dedicated to making art accessible to the public. It features a vast collection that spans over 5,000 years of art from around the globe, with millions of visitors experiencing its offerings both in person and online.
The unveiling of Jeffrey Gibson’s monumental works at The Met marks a significant moment in contemporary art, inviting reflection on the connections that bind humans and animals within our shared environment.
