In an effort to reshape and contemporize its offerings to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, MGM Resorts unveils new acquisitions for its public fine art collection. New talents showcased alongside existing works include Rashid Johnson, Sanford Biggers, Derrick Adams, Ghada Amer, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Tomás Esson and Svenja Deininger.

© MGM Resorts International

“We believe in the power of art to open minds, change perspectives and create transformation in society,” said Ari Kastrati, chief hospitality officer, MGM Resorts. “The addition of these talented artists to our portfolio reflects MGM’s commitment to championing inclusion and ensuring that the collection more closely mirrors our diverse communities. That commitment is central to our company’s core values and is imbued in all that we do.”

The company looks to offer an extended platform for artists of color, women and those in the LGBTQ+ community.

© MGM Resorts International

Rashid Johnson blends photography, sculpture and painting to prompt race and class discussions. One of the 3-D wall works from the “Cosmic Slop” series can be found on ARIA’s promenade level. Also at Aria, near the self-parking entrance, is a smaller-scale bronze “Oracle” sculpture from Sanford Biggers, whose work focuses on key moments in American history from social, political and economic standpoints.

Derrick Adams is known for using pattern, collage and bold colors to create iconic graphic paintings of Black culture. Look for a recently commissioned mixed-media painting from Adams’ “Floater” series near the pool entrance at Park MGM when completed. Ghada Amer’s work spans mediums, but she is well known for depicting women with thread. Two works from her “The Women I Know Part II” series are featured in Bellagio’s Spa and Salon.

© MGM Resorts International

Jonathan Lyndon Chase focuses on nuances of queer Black life in the artwork. “The Cook Out” is located at Park MGM, near the lobby, and uses acrylic paint, oil paint, spray paint, oil stick, marker and graphite. The cultural challenges of the 1980s frequently feature in Tomás Esson’s work. Find the oil-on-linen works “Quimera” and “Anestesia” at Bellagio. Extended time is a theme of Svenja Deininger’s works. A painting reflecting the artist’s deliberate yet fluid explorations of shape, color, texture and surface can be found in ARIA’s Carbone eatery.

“Acquiring works by Rashid Johnson, Sanford Biggers, Derrick Adams, Ghada Amer, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Tomás Esson and Svenja Deininger propels the MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection significantly forward in our goal of giving voice to underrepresented artists,” said Tarissa Tiberti, executive director, MGM Resorts Art & Culture. “We look forward to sharing these important pieces with our guests from around the world and sparking conversation around all they represent.”