Serena Williams has built a legendary career on the tennis courts, capturing the hearts of millions with her unmatched talent and fierce determination. For many, tennis might seem like the single driving force behind her rise to global fame. But guess what? The 23-time Grand Slam champion has a passion that extends far beyond the tennis racket—her love for art.

The 42-year-old was spotted in Los Angeles, attending the premiere of Exhibiting Forgiveness, a film directed by Titus Kaphar. She was also joined by several other renowned figures, including American television host Oprah Winfrey, who attended the event. As Williams walked out of the event, she seemed to be really moved by the artistic work as she revealed her passion for the same.

Taking to her Instagram on Friday, the tennis legend shared a picture of herself with Oprah and wrote, “Art is one of my many passions. I love collecting art in all forms and from all artists. In the past several years, I have made a commitment to be an avid collector of African American art.” Interestingly, Williams’ love for art is not new. The tennis legend’s house consists of an incredible art gallery, situated right beyond the front door, as revealed by Williams herself in 2021. She also highlighted that the spot is her favorite place to be in the entire house because of the uniqueness it possesses. Williams also highlighted the special teaching she imparts to her daughters Olympia and Adira through art.

 “I love traveling and having the opportunity to go to museums like the Louvre, the Musée d’Orasay, the Prado, the Vatican, Uffizi, Guggenheim, & Metropolitan just to name a few. I love taking my daughtes there and letting them learn about what we know as fine art.” Continuing further in the post, Williams wrote, “Titus Kaphar is a huge part of that journey. This exhibit “Exhibiting Forgiveness” is so emotional and his story through his film is one that so many of us can relate to.” It is probably because of this mutual love for Art, that she did not fail to laud Kaphar for his work.

Remember, the movie revolves around the story of a Black artist who finds his path to success derailed by his estranged father as the latter attempts to reconcile with the family. Interestingly, Williams has also used her passion for art in the past to raise funds for the resource center named after her late sister Yetunde Price.  

How did Serena Williams use art to raise funds for a noble cause?

Serena Williams lost her elder sister Yetunde Price in a drive-by shooting in 2003. Twenty years later, she decided to provide support to the victims of similar misfortunes and raised funds through the Yetunde Price Resource Center, which she and her sister Venus Williams set up. The major aspect that boosted their endeavor was art. 

The 42-year-old tennis legend used the art of celebrated artist Ernie Barnes, whose vivid imagery depicted a world of harmony and unity between diverse communities, backgrounds, and races. Through YPRC, the Williams sisters auctioned four never-before-seen works to raise funds. The information was shared by Serena herself on her Instagram, where she wrote, “We are very excited to announce Holding Court. It is a special auction in partnership with @joopiterofficial featuring four never-before-seen works by @erniebarnesofficial in support of @yprcla.” The American also explained, “Ernie Barnes is an iconic Black artist my family and I have long admired. Through his vibrant imagery, he envisioned a colorful world of harmony between all communities, backgrounds, and races.”

As Williams continues to showcase her love for art, it will be interesting to see if more such visits and posts continue to take center stage in the life of the former tennis star.