Tina Knowles Lawson, renowned as the mother of the iconic Beyoncé and Solange, is not only a mother but also a dedicated art collector. Recently, Lawson opened her California home to Kimberly Drew, a curator from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing her personal art collection for Vanity Fair’s September issue. During their discussion, they delved into the significance of visual representation, Lawson’s collecting philosophy, her first art purchase, and more.

Lawson’s passion for art began at 19 when she made her first significant art acquisition—an abstract painting from a furniture store. Though it may have been a reproduction, it ignited her love for living with art. With a focus on African American artists, Lawson ensured her daughters were surrounded by strong cultural imagery. Both Beyoncé and Solange credit their upbringing for their awareness of their heritage, particularly through exposure to Black art.

Lawson’s collection features works by acclaimed Harlem Renaissance artists like Hale Woodruff, Romare Bearden, and Charles Alston, alongside pieces by emerging talents such as Genevieve Gaignard and Toyin Ojih Odutola. She admires contemporary artist Robert Pruitt, whose works graced her walls until Beyoncé “borrowed” them indefinitely.

Unlike collectors driven solely by monetary value, Lawson values art for its spiritual significance. She sees her collection as a personal connection to the artists and their stories, emphasizing their cultural impact over financial worth. This approach undoubtedly influenced her daughters’ artistic sensibilities, as evidenced by Beyoncé and Jay Z’s music video shot at the Louvre and Solange’s performances at prestigious art venues worldwide.

Lawson’s collection includes works acquired through auction, with notable purchases including pieces by Sam Gilliam and two Picasso lithographs. Even her granddaughter, Blue Ivy, has displayed an interest in art, enthusiastically participating in auctions at events like the Wearable Art Gala.

Among the artists in Lawson’s collection are Elizabeth Catlett, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle, John Biggers, and Kermit Oliver. Solange aptly describes their upbringing as an “awakening,” shaped by the values instilled by their mother, Tina Knowles Lawson.