Jumaane N’Namdi, director of N’Namdi Contemporary Miami was introduced to the professional art world at the age of six. It was at this time in 1981, when his father, George, founded the G.R. N’Namdi Gallery in Detroit, Mi. Reared in the gallery business and amid an extensive family art collection, Jumaane developed his innate appreciation and understanding for the interrelationship of art, artist, culture and collector.
Upon graduation from Morehouse College in 1997, Jumaane, began his formal career in the arts at what was then the burgeoning G.R. N’Namdi Gallery Chicago. His discerning eye began to distinguish great pieces from good ones, making it possible for his art patrons to meet world-renowned artists and to develop some of the country’s most prestigious art collections. While under his father’s tutelage, Jumaane quickly assumed the directorship of G.R. N’Namdi Gallery Chicago and subsequently expanded G.R. N’Namdi Gallery to New York. In 2012, Jumaane utilized his experience in curating private and corporate collections and in 2012 opened N’Namdi Contemporary Fine Art Miami.
Amassing 25 years of experience Jumaane as developed a knack for fusing the masters with mid-career and fresh emerging talent, creating an international array of unique artists.
While cultivating new audiences, Jumaane keeps a special focus on three concepts: education, culture, and aesthetics. He has spear headed the careers of artist such as Ed Clark, Herbert Gentry, Rashid Johnson, Frank Bowling, Al Loving, Stephen Arboite as well as countless others.
N’Namdi has worked to place works in the permanent collections of as well as exhibits works from his personal collection with institutions such as: Art Institute of Chicago, The Detroit Institute of Arts, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Museum of Contemporary Art Miami, The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Telfair Museum, The Smithsonian, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History &Culture, The Studio Museum of Harlem, Cranbrook Art Museum, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, The FIU Frost Museum, The Studio Museum of Harlem and the Virginia Museum of Fine Art to name a few.
As an art consultant, N’Namdi has curated numerous private and corporate collections and has published a variety of art catalogs including Allie McGhee: Micro to Macro, Ed Clark: Master Painter, Frank Bowling: Full of Light, Herbert Gentry: The Man, The Master, The Magic, James A Porter: From Me to You, Nanette Carter: Aqueous, Richard Mayhew: Mood Scapes. Tyrone Mitchell: Resisting Arrest, McArthur Binion: Simplicism, and Robert Colescott: Troubled Goods.
Jumaane has a vast appreciation for all the arts. He is on the board of Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami and Fountainhead Residency.