In the past 200 years there have been too many great African American artists to try and name them all. However, for anyone who’s not familiar with African American art, I would like to take a moment and introduce you to a few of the most notable artists that I have studied.
Romare Bearden (1914-1988) – Spent most of his life in New York City, NY and developed a reputation as one of the greatest modern African American artists through his paintings which varied in style from a social realist, a cubist, an abstract expressionist and a collagist, for which he is probably best known.
Aaron Douglas (1899-1979) – Gained notoriety as one of the most influential artists during the Harlem Renaissance with his mural paintings in libraries and other public buildings and his amazing classical portraits. He later became the head of the Art Department of Fisk University, where he served for nearly 30 years helping to influence many up and coming artists.
Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) – never truly found success as an artist while living in the United States, though he worked as both a painter and portrait photographer in Atlanta and Philadelphia. However, he would go on to receive much recognition and win many awards after moving to Paris.
To find out more about these three artists or learn about other great African American artists, visit your local library.
10 months ago
African American Art has become quite popular and a new film by Director Lerone D. Wilson documents the last fifty years of art for this genre.
“Colored Frames” from Boondoggle Films celebrates the influences and experiences for African American Artists and their art. From the effects of racism to the struggle for acceptance in the modern era, this film shows how oppression has affected artist young and old.
The filmmaker mixes artistic imagery with the music stylings of French pianist and composer Magali Souriau and her world famous trio. The musicians were challenged to compose the original score by expressing feelings and thoughts to the vision of the artwork presented. The outcome is an original masterpiece that greatly enhances the film.
The film is dedicated to artist Benny Andrews, who recently passed away at the age of 76. His work is celebrated in galleries throughout the country with many pieces concentrated in the state of Georgia. This artist was the son of a tenant farmer and one of ten children. He worked in an expressionist figurative style that appeared minimalist. Benny Andrews also was a leader in protesting against museums in the 60’s and 70’s that did not include works by African Americans or women. In later years he worked as a professor at Queens College in New York and his works could be seen around the world.
The history of the African American Artist is one of many struggles and victories. This film documents those experiences and gives a good representation of this area of the art scene.
11 months ago
On October 4th, 2007 history will be made in the art world. On that Thursday, 94 pieces of African American art will be put up for auction by Swann Auction Galleries. After 66 years in business, Swann auctioned their first lot of African American art back in February of 2007. Although the February auction was significant and actually set new records for 19 black artists, it was just the first step into this category of art. The auction in October will be different and much more significant since it represents a sizable portion of one of the largest collections in the world.
The Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, based in Los Angeles, California has amassed and maintained what many consider to be one of the most impressive collections of African American art in the United States or even the world. Nigel Freeman is in charge of Swann Auction Galleries’ black art department and he calls the collection historic. This single auction will offer nearly forty percent of the 238 piece collection that has been amassed by the black-owned insurance company.
Although this sale demonstrates the growing interest in African American art, there are many people who are not enthusiastic about the auction. The auction in October will undoubtedly generate a buzz and possibly introduce many collectors to African American art, however that interest comes with a downside. As the popularity grows, so does the possibility that additional large collections, such as the one owned by Golden State Mutual Life will be broken up and sold. Generally, these large auctions draw bids far out of reach for many museums, like the California African American Museum and thus the pieces end up in someone’s home or otherwise out of public view. For college professors and other community members interested in exposing today’s youth to these works, this potential trend of breaking up large collections and selling them off is discouraging.
This article written by C. DeRand, regular contributor to http://AfricanAmericanArt.tumblr.com.
11 months ago
The African American Art Museum of Philadelphia was created in 1976 to celebrate the country’s Bicentennial.
African American Artists are celebrated and featured in this major museum on the East Coast. The museum is the first institution funded and built by a major United States city to feature African American Art. The Museum contains four galleries and an auditorium that house artwork with subjects such as the civil rights movement, sports, medicine and architecture. The art is based around three major themes, the African Diaspora, The Philadelphia Story and the Contemporary Narrative.
One of the current exhibits is named “The Art of African American Women”. The exhibit tells the story of influential African American Women primarily from the city of Philadelphia. Business, civic and community leaders are all included in this great exhibit and is a terrific learning opportunity for visitors of all ages.
The Museum features artwork surrounding the civil rights movement and also features The Jack T. Franklin Photographic Collection. Franklin was a freelance photographer for many black newspapers in 50’s and 60’s and his photos document the racial and political struggles of that era. His photos include the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery March. Some say that Franklin was the master of the candid shot and his photographs bring real life struggles to the museum visitors of today.
The African American Artist has a unique way of telling the world about struggles of the past and the African American Art Museum of Philadelphia is a fantastic place to learn about this history. The museum is open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
11 months ago
African American Art is slowly being recognized in auction circles and more auction houses are paying attention to African American Art collectors.
Major art player Swann Auction Galleries recently featured a sale of over 200 African American artists that was valued at $2-3 million dollars. This represented the first time that a major auction house has devoted a sale entirely to African American Art. The other large auction houses have largely ignored these artists but should be paying attention to the success of Swann Galleries. As African American art becomes more popular, collectors are seeking works by noted artists and will require a source for this art.
Swann Auction Galleries have hosted other auctions that featured historical manuscripts and documents that were from the slavery and civil rights eras. The success of these auctions has inspired the gallery to consider an entire sale of African American Art and also spawned a department for African American Fine Art.
The Department will coordinate the sale of drawings, prints, paintings and collages. Swann is the only major auction house to take this step. Recent sales have included works by artists such as Lois Mailou Jones, Dox Thrash and Hale Woodruff. The department is currently seeking art by noted 20th century artists to include in the next auction.
If you have works be African American Artist that you would like to sell or place for consignment, you are asked to contact the Swann Art Galleries in New York City, New York.
1 year ago
From the art collecting community to the academic world, African American Art is coming into its own vogue.
African American Artists like James Eugene Albert, Souda Traore Boyd, and Mari Hall are introducing a new 21st century style and form to the world.
Supported by institutions such as the Smithsonian Institute, Chicago Cultural Center to the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture located in New York are featuring and profile black artists that are both established and emerging onto the global world art scene.
There is also a growing number of galleries and sellers / brokers of contemporary and themed african american art. Regular exhibitions of art are also bringing awareness and attention to the public.
1 year ago