Throughout the 2010s, Malcolm Jenkins established himself as one of football’s greatest defensive players. He won two Super Bowl championships during his 13-year NFL career, first in New Orleans when he played for the Saints, and again in Philadelphia, playing for the Eagles. To his accomplishments off the court as a racial justice advocate, entrepreneur, published author and philanthropisthe recently added a new role: art collector.
Jenkins has immersed himself in the art world since retiring from football in 2022 at the age of 35. He began spending time at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, which led to his first purchase, a Basquiat print. He then acquired pieces by Ernie Barnes, Kari Turner and Tavares Strachan. Recently, Jenkins was one of many players to help command the Sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas which landed at this year’s Super Bowl in Arizona.
Hank WillisThomas, Opportunity (Reflection) (2023) at the Great Lawn at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo courtesy of Hank Willis Thomas.
Jenkins is especially interested in works from the African diaspora. “I want my collection to reflect the diversity of styles, mediums and subject matter within the black experience, showcasing a range of voices and perspectives,” he told Artnet News. “In doing so, I hope to celebrate… our people and elevate the art of the African Diaspora in a meaningful way.”
We caught up with Jenkins for a replay of her winning collection.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Hollywood Africans in front of the Chinese Theater with handprints of movie stars (1983/2015). Courtesy of Malcolm Jenkins.
What was your first purchase?
When I started collecting seriously, my first purchase was a print by Jean-Michel Basquiat Hollywood Africans in front of the Chinese Theater with handprints of movie stars (1983/2015). I didn’t know much about collecting, but I knew how Basquiat broke down many barriers and created space for the success of many black artists we see today. His influence on culture continues long after his time. I was excited to start my collection.
Malcolm Jenkins with Ernie Barnes Study A for Overtime Victory (1995). Courtesy of Malcolm Jenkins.
What was your last purchase?
My most recent purchase is a work titled Facts, by Atlanta’s own Ayana Ross. Ayana is a phenomenal painter whose work holds a place for current conversations in the lives of African Americans. She injects into her work her own life experiences, references to her faith and her knowledge of art history. During my stay in Atlanta, I had the chance to visit her studio and she explained to me that Facts grew out of a difficult conversation she had with her son after the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. It reminds me of the conversations my own mother had with me over the years as she had to navigate raising three black boys in a world that doesn’t recognize they are innocent, like she does.
Tell us about a favorite work from your collection.
My favorite work in my collection is Ernie BarnesIt is Study A for Victory in overtime (1995). Ernie was also a football player, and his work is what sparked my interest in the arts. I grew up seeing works like The sugar shack (1971) as a child. I loved how he captured the movements and expressions of black experience. His scenes always radiated joy and pride in all things black only. I found his paintings incredibly familiar. When I found out he was an NFL player before his career as a painter, my connection to his work only deepened.
Tavares Strachan, Realities (Malcolm) (2022). Courtesy of Malcolm Jenkins.
What works or artists do you hope to add to your collection this year?
This year, I want to get my hands on a work by Dominic Rooms. After having a conversation with him, I was blown away by his knowledge and passion for using color. His talent is undeniable and I know he is a rising star. I also want to bring together a few artists focused on abstraction, in particular Alteronce Gumby.
What is the most valuable work of art you own?
The most valuable piece I have is the Basquiat print.
Where do you most often buy art?
I most often buy my work directly from galleries, usually after meeting the artist.
Is there a work you regret buying?
Luckily I have no regrets. I buy works that I like. I’m sure my taste will grow and change as I grow and learn, but as a young collector I love all the works I’ve acquired.
Sophie Dawson, Proverb 22:6 (Young Kanye) (2019), center. Courtesy of Malcolm Jenkins.
What work have you hung above your couch? And in your bathroom?
Above my sofa I have a work called A night in New Orleans, by Cynthia Vaughn. Having played for the New Orleans Saints for seven years, the play brings back some of the fondest memories I have of the city.
What’s the least practical piece of art you own?
Perhaps the least practical job I have is some of my NFTs. I like what’s happening with digital art and NFTs, sure maybe Also a lot, because it is still early. But I like to browse the digital works on my digital NFT frame according to my daily mood.
Al-Baser Holly, eyes on me (2020), center. Courtesy of Malcolm Jenkins.
What work would you have liked to buy when you had the opportunity?
Last year at the Armory Show, I was introduced Antoine Akinbola and saw his work for the first time. After spending time with and following him over the past year, I feel like I’ve missed something by not catching one of his works yet. He’s another artist I’m determined to get my hands on soon.
If you could steal one piece of art without getting caught, what would it be?
There was a job that made me want to shoot a Ocean’s Eleven-type robbery. During a private exhibition at the Jack Shainman gallery, it stopped me dead. It was the work of the legendary Barkley L.Hendricksa piece called Omar (nineteen eighty one). I swear if he ever goes missing, it wasn’t me.
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