African American art

African American art
Andrew Herman · Public domain · source
Caption	Romare Bearden's The Train (1975)
Period	18th century - present
Field	Visual arts, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking

African American art is a rich and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, from the Harlem Renaissance to the present day. It includes works by artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, and Kerry James Marshall, who have made significant contributions to the National Gallery of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. The development of African American art is closely tied to the history of African Americans in the United States, including the Transatlantic slave trade, the American Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Artists such as Gordon Parks and Carrie Mae Weems have used their work to address issues of Racism in the United States, Segregation in the United States, and African American culture.

● History of

African American Art The history of African American art dates back to the 18th century, with artists such as Joshua Johnson and Robert S. Duncanson creating works that reflected their experiences as African Americans in the United States. During the Harlem Renaissance, artists such as Aaron Douglas, Palmer Hayden, and Archibald Motley gained recognition for their contributions to the visual arts, literature, and music. The WPA Federal Art Project and the Harlem Artists Guild also played a significant role in promoting African American art during this period. Artists such as Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden were influenced by the Cubism of Pablo Picasso and the Surrealism of Salvador Dalí, and they incorporated elements of these styles into their own work, which was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

● Characteristics and Styles

African American art is characterized by a wide range of styles and themes, including Abstract expressionism, Figurative art, and Surrealism. Artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Amy Sherald have used their work to explore themes of African American identity, Racism in the United States, and Social justice. The use of Collage and Assemblage techniques is also a common feature of African American art, as seen in the work of artists such as Romare Bearden and Betye Saar. The African American Museum in Philadelphia and the National Museum of African American History and Culture have exhibited works by artists such as Gordon Parks and Carrie Mae Weems, who have used their photography to document the experiences of African Americans in the United States.

● Notable African American Artists

Notable African American artists include Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, and Kerry James Marshall, who have all made significant contributions to the visual arts. Other notable artists include Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, and Lorna Simpson, who have used their work to address issues of Racism in the United States and Social justice. The Studio Museum in Harlem has exhibited works by artists such as Amy Sherald and Jordan Casteel, who have gained recognition for their contributions to the visual arts. Artists such as Barkley L. Hendricks and Kehinde Wiley have also been recognized for their portraits of African Americans, which have been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery and the Brooklyn Museum.

● African American Art Movements

African American art has been influenced by a range of art movements, including the Harlem Renaissance, Abstract expressionism, and Surrealism. The Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s also played a significant role in promoting African American art and African American culture. Artists such as AfriCOBRA and Spiral (artist collective) were influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power movement, and they used their work to address issues of Racism in the United States and Social justice. The African American Museum in Philadelphia and the National Museum of African American History and Culture have exhibited works by artists who were influenced by these movements, including Gordon Parks and Carrie Mae Weems.

● Impact and Legacy

The impact and legacy of African American art can be seen in the work of artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Amy Sherald, who have used their work to explore themes of African American identity and Social justice. The National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Modern Art have exhibited works by African American artists, including Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden. The Studio Museum in Harlem and the African American Museum in Philadelphia have also played a significant role in promoting African American art and African American culture. Artists such as Gordon Parks and Carrie Mae Weems have been recognized for their contributions to the visual arts, and they have been awarded the National Medal of Arts and the MacArthur Fellowship. The legacy of African American art continues to be felt today, with artists such as Jordan Casteel and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye gaining recognition for their contributions to the visual arts. Category:African American art