Giants at MCASD: The Must-See Exhibit Of The Summer

There are nights when I remember exactly who I was before becoming a mom. Last Thursday was one of them.

Don’t get me wrong, I love this season of life. But between school runs, snack negotiations, and being fully immersed in the art of dance (if you know, you know), it’s been a while since I’ve had a night out that felt like me.

So when the invite came through for the West Coast debut of Giants at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, I already had the outfit in mind before I even finished reading. Because at my core, I’m still a city girl, and city girls don’t pass up a moment of culture. Especially not when it’s something as major as “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” and the “Hometown Heroes“ exhibits.

From the moment I walked in, I knew this wasn’t your typical museum night. The energy felt different. Music filled the space, people lingered, and conversations unfolded in front of the art instead of just passing it by. I know, SO Sex and the City. It felt alive, layered, and completely intentional.

The scale is striking. You move through massive, powerful works in painting, photography, and sculpture, all telling stories from across the Black diaspora in a way that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Some pieces feel celebratory, others reflective, and a few stay with you in quieter ways.

At one point, I caught myself simply standing still, taking it all in. If you know my life lately, that says everything.

A section called Hometown Heroes shifts the experience in a more personal direction. It highlights San Diego’s own creative community through local artists and stories that speak directly to the culture of this city. I loved this layer. While Giants brings a powerful global perspective through the collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, this moment brings it home. It feels intimate, rooted, and quietly powerful in a way that lingers.

More than anything, the night felt like a return to something familiar. Being inspired, taking my time, getting dressed for the night instead of for practicality. And yes, it was absolutely a fashion moment. Because if I’m getting a night in La Jolla with art like this, I’m showing up accordingly.

What stayed with me most is this: motherhood hasn’t replaced who I am. It has simply added to her. And nights like this have a way of bringing that version of me back to the surface.

If you’re even thinking about going, don’t wait. The exhibit runs through early August, which sounds like plenty of time until summer fills up and it’s suddenly gone. Get the tickets, make a plan, and give yourself the night, whether that’s with friends, your partner, or even solo.

Because Giants is one of those experiences you feel long after you leave. And it’s worth stepping out for.