Arthur Jafa stands by Kanye West work ahead of New Museum show
Artist Arthur Jafa says he deeply respects Kanye West and will not walk away from working with him over things West has said.
The remarks were published on September 14, 2026, in The New York Times in an article titled "Arthur Jafa, the Great Disrupter, Readies a 'Big Bang'". In that interview, Jafa described West as a person and artist he deeply respects and called him clearly a genius, according to The New York Times.
He used even plainer language in separate comments on his West collaboration. He is "not into discarding Black folk" for things they say, according to ARTnews. Jafa previously directed West's music video for the song "Wash Us in the Blood", according to ARTnews.
The interviews have landed just before a major moment for Jafa. The New Museum in New York will open "Arthur Jafa: I Am Tony" on September 24, 2026.
The museum describes it as the largest museum survey to date of Jafa's work, meaning a broad look across his career. It will span two floors, according to New Museum.
What makes this stand out for general audiences is the collision. A filmmaker known for powerful images about Black life is headlining a big New York museum show while openly sticking by one of pop music's most divisive figures.
