Dr. Brittany Webb — Curator of Modern & 20th‑Century Art
Current Role: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
As of June 2025, Dr. Brittany Webb has been appointed as Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, a prestigious position announced by MFAH’s Director Gary Tinterow. She was selected for her depth of experience, strong community connections, and vision for inclusive curatorial practice. PAFA+5Culture Type+5Style Magazine+5
Former Role: PAFA—Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Previously, Dr. Webb served as the Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of Twentieth‑Century Art and the John Rhoden Collection at PAFA. In this pioneering role, she managed collections, exhibitions, and educational programs focused on 20th-century American and African American art. arttable.org+11PAFA+11PAFA+11
Major Exhibitions & Acquisitions
- Taking Space: Contemporary Women Artists and the Politics of Scale (2021) — Co‑curated with Jodi Throckmorton, the exhibition featured major women artists of the 20th century, including Louise Nevelson, Alice Neel, and Faith Ringgold. Style Magazine+5PAFA+5PAFA+5
- Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden (2023) — A major retrospective documenting the life and work of sculptor John Rhoden, including nearly 300 works in PAFA’s collection. Style Magazine+4Culture Type+4Art Daily+4
- Other curated exhibitions: From the Ground Up: Artists & the Built Environment (2021), Gift/Deeds: Collectors at PAFA (2022).
She significantly expanded PAFA’s holdings by acquiring more than 200 artworks by artists such as Gordon Parks, Agnes Martin, Bill Hutson, Charles Searles, Maren Hassinger, and Lee Krasner.
Professional Development & Academic Background
- Ph.D. in Anthropology from Temple University (2018), where her dissertation focused on the sociopolitical dimensions of Black exhibition production. cpal-info.com+10pafa.academia.edu+10PAFA+10
- B.A. in Political Science from University of Southern California (2005). Style Magazine+8PAFA+8Art Daily+8
- Professional background includes curatorial roles at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (2014–2018). Style Magazine+11PAFA+11Culture Type+11
- Academic involvement includes positions as assistant professor at PAFA and committee service at University of Delaware and UPenn.
Curatorial Philosophy & Impact
Dr. Webb is recognized for centering marginalized artists and reshaping museum narratives through inclusive exhibitions and acquisitions. She has advocated for elevating under-recognized figures, such as John Rhoden, and developed programs that bridge institutional frameworks with broader community voices. PAFA+11PAFA+11Style Magazine+11
Her appointment at MFAH is a strategic move toward more diverse and representative curatorial leadership, reinforcing the museum’s global vision and community-focused mission
