Imagining Safe Spaces: MoMA Celebrates Pride Through Art

Mark Bradford. Jungle Jungle. 2022. Torn-and-pasted paper and string on canvas. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Kenneth C. Griffin.

In honor of Pride Month, The Museum of Modern Art is spotlighting powerful works by LGBTQ+ artists that speak to identity, imagination, and belonging. One such piece is Jungle Jungle by Mark Bradford, a vibrant, large-scale painting that transforms an imagined sanctuary into a tangible, immersive landscape.

“As a kid, Mark Bradford imagined places he could feel safe and protected,” shared Marco, a MoMA Learning Specialist. “In his painting Jungle Jungle, he has created a gigantic, colorful landscape that transforms an imagined refuge into something palpable and real. I feel like I can step into this jungle, where anything is possible. It reminds me of our ability to imagine safe spaces and build them for ourselves and others.”

Through initiatives like these, MoMA educators continue their mission to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—reminding students and visitors alike how meaningful it can be to see their identities reflected in the art around them.