The Recognition of Black Artists in the Mainstream Art World

 

The first Black woman to graduate from the fine art department at Howard University, Alma Thomas taught art for 35 years in Washington, D.C. She was also the first Black woman to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum in 1972. Today, Black abstract artists are finally receiving the recognition that they deserve. A recent museum exhibition honors Alma Thomas and her son, John Lewis, who were integral members of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Today, their work is slowly being collected in places of honor and they are gaining worldwide recognition.

 

The evolution of Black art is truly incredible. Throughout history, Black artists have worked diligently to gain recognition and break into mainstream society. Slavery had its hand in this, but the abolitionists paved the way for the first black artists in the U.S. to find notoriety. In the 1800s, there were few opportunities for Black artists to study art. The first to receive national recognition were Joshua Johnston, Robert S. Duncanson, and Edward Mitchell Bannister. In the 19th century, there was also Henry Ossawa Turner, who received formal training at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. In addition, he was self-taught. Learn more about art on this site.

 

The recognition of black artists in the mainstream art world has been slow and hesitant. The struggle to achieve equity has been long, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for Black artists. In this case, the Grammy nomination for Tyler the Creator's rap album, "Igor," represents a significant milestone for the genre-bending artist. With continued efforts and dedication, black artists will continue to be underrepresented in the mainstream art world.

 

Paul Rucker is one of the leading figures of the emerging Baltimore art scene. His work explores the history of slavery and the black narrative. His installation, "Rewind," included a life-size KKK outfit. The show toured throughout the country. This exhibition is a fitting tribute to an artist who was a prominent figure in her hometown. In fact, the exhibition at the Speed Art Museum is an important piece of the Baltimore arts scene.

 

Currently, black work is exploding in the visual arts. In addition, black culture is making its way into the mainstream art world. In September 2016, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in Washington, D.C., validating the neglected work of black artists. The museum sold free passes through March and drew 30,000 visitors on some days. In spite of the recent successes, many black artists are still unable to gain widespread recognition in the U.S. Check out this website to get more informed.

 

In the 1970s, the Black Panther Party formed in the midst of the Civil Rights movement. The Black Arts Repertory Theater School in Harlem was also established. The Black Arts Movement had a lasting impact on the black art scene, inspiring a generation of Black artists. While the era was not without its problems, the 1960s marked a significant milestone. With that, the black art movement began to gain momentum. However, the new work did not meet the same critical standards as the older, more well-established works. For more enlightening info about this topic, visit this site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_(singer).