Dr. King had a dream...and so do I

 

2020 was a year to be remembered as a nightmare. We were still struggling with a horrible pandemic and a financial and social crisis when a tragic event caused a “tipping point” in our country. It has now spread around the world.   

The name “George Floyd” can be heard shouting from the mountaintop. 

 As the topic of police brutality and the killing of black people in America is in the national discussion, I will focus my writing on my own experiences and observations within the art world and the need for wider acceptance of artists of color in the mainstream.  Although there are a handful of talented nationally known artists of color, a large gap is still not being represented. Henry Osawa Tanner (1886), William Henry Johnson (1920), Jack Whitten, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kira Walker, James Kerry Marshall, and Kehinde Wiley are a few black artists who have received recognition.

Today’s art world is becoming increasingly diverse, and artists of all backgrounds are gaining recognition for their contributions. However, whether a black male can succeed in the art world as an artist and become recognized for his contributions is complex and multifaceted. Historically, the art world has been dominated by white men, and the contributions of black artists have often been overlooked or undervalued. This systemic racism has created barriers for black male artists to succeed and gain recognition within the industry. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for greater representation and diversity in the art world, and many organizations and individuals are actively working to address these issues. Despite this progress, there are still challenges that black male artists face in the art world. For example, studies have shown that black artists are often paid less than their white counterparts and less likely to receive critical acclaim.

 

“I am not a black artist; I am an artist.   

---Jean-Michel Basquiat

I remember my first exposure to the art world through my mother’s Holy Bible (The King James Version) and wondered at the beautiful, colorful images of religious works by the great masters of the Renaissance. As a child, I knew I wanted to be able to do that. My first art lecture was in the 3rd grade when we saw slides and learned the history of Rembrandt, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, Winslow Homer, and even Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Yet no artwork by (known) black artists ever came up. This was because the curriculum in school at that time did not allow black art to be included. I didn’t learn about black artists until I was in college, years later. Bias had begun early on in my art studies. Another issue is that many artists I know feel that it is time for art critics and the media to drop descriptions based on gender, race, and age when describing an artist unless that information is vital to the artist’s work.                                                 

Discrimination happens when just visiting a gallery. Some gallerists have completely ignored me when I’ve walked into a gallery to view the work. In one instance, the gallerist ignored me. A few minutes later, a couple entered the gallery, and the gallerist immediately got up, greeted them warmly, and began a conversation. Should I have said something? Was I reading too much into this? Could they have been a returning client who gets “star treatment” for a pending sale? Possibly. But it wasn't very pleasant, nonetheless. This has happened more times than I care to mention.  People in the position to bring about change can – such as corporate and private collectors, museum curators, and gallery owners. They need to be more inclusive. Will this Black Lives Matter movement continue the momentum? Time will tell. I hope that it spurs a change within the art establishment. 

“If you try to suppress the arts,

then you’re suppressing the deepest dreams

 and aspirations of a people.”

--Barack Obama   

 

Additionally, black artists lack representation in major galleries and museums, limiting their exposure and opportunities for success. However, there are also many examples of black male artists who have overcome these challenges and achieved success in the art world. Artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Kehinde Wiley, and Jean-Michel Basquiat have gained widespread recognition for their work and have challenged traditional notions of what art can be. These artists have used their platform to address issues of race and representation in the art world and have inspired a new generation of artists of all backgrounds. 

 

A black male artist could gain notice in the art world as an abstract artist without necessarily addressing social-political issues, including race, in their work. While addressing social-political issues can be a powerful way to create meaningful art, it is not the only path to success as an artist. In the art world, there are many different genres and styles of art, and abstract art is one of them.   Abstract art is focused on form, color, line, and texture and often does not have a clear subject or narrative. While some abstract artists may address social-political issues in their work, many do not, and their art is still recognized and appreciated for its aesthetic qualities and technical skill. What is important for an artist, regardless of their background or chosen genre, is to create work that is authentic and meaningful to them. If black male artists are passionate about abstract art and pursue this genre, they should feel free to create work that does not necessarily address social-political issues if that does not resonate with them. 

 

   "Blue Ice Lake"  Mixed Media  2008

 

The most successful artists are true to themselves and create sincere and genuine work. It is worth noting that the art world has historically undervalued the contributions of black artists, and there is still work to be done to address systemic racism and promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry. While a black male artist can succeed in the art world as an abstract artist without addressing social-political issues, it is important to recognize and challenge the systemic barriers that still exist. By supporting diverse voices in the art world and promoting equity and inclusion, we can create a more just and vibrant industry for all artists.

 

 

Art of the Black West?

   

"Oscar Dreams"

Acrylic & Gold leaf 

30 x 30 in.

2013

 

The contributions of black cowboys to the history of the American West have been underrepresented in the Old West art scene. Black cowboys played a significant role in the development of the American West, but their stories have often been obscured or overlooked in popular culture. The image of the cowboy in American popular culture is often associated with white men. However, black cowboys comprised a significant portion of the cowboy population in the late 19th century. Historians estimate that up to one in four cowboys were black, and many were formerly enslaved people who found work as ranch hands or cowboys after the Civil War. Despite their significant contributions to the development of the American West, the stories of black cowboys have been largely absent from the old West art scene, partly because the cowboy image has been romanticized and mythologized in popular culture, which has often overlooked the diverse realities of the cowboy experience.

 

However, some artists are actively working to address this gap in representation. Artists such as Charly Palmer, Melvin Warren, and Greg Ridley have created artwork that celebrates the contributions of black cowboys to the history of the American West. Through their work, they are helping to shed light on a previously overlooked aspect of American history and challenging traditional notions of the cowboy experience. In conclusion, while the contributions of black cowboys to the history of the American West have been underrepresented in the Old West art scene, some artists are actively working to address this gap in representation. By highlighting the diverse realities of the cowboy experience, these artists are helping to create a more inclusive and accurate representation of the history of the American West.

"Shootout at Beechers Ditch" 

Acrylic

2017

 

A recent study found that 85.4% of the works in the collections of all major U.S. museums belong to white artists, and 87.4% are by men; Asian artists total at 9%; and Hispanic and Latino artists constitute only 2.8% of the artists. African American artists have the lowest share, with just 1.2% of the works. For example, researchers found that the institutions among this grouping with the highest percentage of white artists are the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC (97.4%) and the Detroit Institute of Arts (94.7%).*

 

In conclusion, while there are still challenges that black male artists face in the art world, there is also reason for hope and optimism. As society becomes increasingly aware of the need for greater diversity and representation, there are more opportunities for black male artists to succeed and gain recognition for their contributions. By continuing to challenge systemic racism and supporting diverse voices in the art world, we can create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all artists, and another dream can come true.

 

 

 

Reference:

*Artists in 18 Major US Museums Are 85% White and 87% Male, Study Says (hyperallergic.com)