‘30 Americans’ and two collectors: The Rubells

The Corcoran Gallery of Art’s newest exhibition, “30 Americans,” comprises works owned by Donald and Mera Rubell, who hope to single-handedly change the D.C. art scene.

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Donald and Mera Rubell pose for a picture at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami. In front of them is a 2005 work by Sarah Lucas titled “Testerone and Martydom.” The Rubells, who have helped transform rundown neighborhoods in Miami, have now established a foothold in Washington as owners of a hotel in Southwest.

Joshua Prezant /

Donald and Mera Rubell walk through an art installation by Cady Noland at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami. The title of the work is “This Piece Has No Title Yet.” The Rubells want to open a second museum showcasing their private collection in Southwest Washington.

Joshua Prezant

Mera Rubell stands in front of Kaari Upson's 2007 diptych, titled “Kiss 8,” at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami. The Rubells, who tend toward edgy modern works, hope their planned museum development will enliven the neighborhood around it, and the Washington art scene.

Joshua Prezant

This 1987 acrylic on canvas, Robert Colescott's "Pygmalion," is on display in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s “30 Americans” exhibition. The display features works by black artists from the Rubells' collection.

Rubell Family Collection

“Basketball and Chain,” by Hank Willis Thomas, is on display in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s “30 Americans” exhibition. It is a rarity for a museum exhibition because it features art entirely from one owner's collection.

Rubell Family Collection

Mickalene Thomas, "Baby I Am Ready Now," 2007. Acrylic, rhinestone, and enamel on wooden panel, diptych. On display in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s “30 Americans” exhibition.

Rubell Family Collection

Xaviera Simmons, "One Day and Back Then (Standing)," 2007. Color photograph. On display in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s “30 Americans” exhibition.

Rubell Family Collection

Rashid Johnson, "The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Thurgood)," 2008. Lambda print. On display in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s “30 Americans” exhibition.

Rubell Family Collection

Kehinde Wiley, "Sleep," 2008. Oil on canvas. On display in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s “30 Americans” exhibition.

Rubell Family Collection

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