Want to learn more about artists of color in art history, or even more about the history of Juneteenth? Look no further! Below I have created a lists of artists of color who I think are important part of art history and ways to support people of color in the fight for equality.
Artists
Henry Ossawa Tanner
- 1859 - 1937
- born in Pittsburgh, PA
- First artist of color to gain international acclaim
- Biblical themes in artworks
- First artist of color to have art purchased by the White House
Wikipedia Link
James Van Der Zee
- 1886 - 1983
- Born in Lenox, MA
- Moved to Harlem as a teen
- Worked in a photo studio in NJ to pay the bills
- Leading figure in Harlem Renaissance
- Known for his photo portraits of black New Yorkers
Wikipedia Link
Augusta Savage
- 1892 - 1962
- Born in Green Cove Springs, FL
- Travelled & Exhibited across Europe
- Won numerous awards
- Major figure in Harlem Renaissance
- 1939 New York World Fair
- Equal rights work
Wikipedia Link
Aaron Douglas
- 1899 - 1979
- Born in Topeka, Kansas
- Major figure in the Harlem Renaissance
- Lots of murals
- Co-Founder of Carl van Vechten Gallery of Fine Arts
Wikipedia Link
Nick Cave
- 1959 -
- Born in Fulton, MO
- Sculptor, dancer, performance artist
- Best known for performance art
- Director at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Artworks inspired from African fashion & armor
Wikipedia Link
Issac Julien
- 1960 -
- Born in London
- Works mostly with film (movies), but also photography
- Cannes Film Festival 1991
- Kunstfilm Biennale (Cologne) 2003
- Nominated for Turner Prize
Wikipedia Link
Jean-Michel Basquiat
- 1960 - 1988
- Born in Brooklyn, NY
- Started out as a graffiti artist (SAMO)
- Gallery represented by 20
- Documenta 1982
- Whitney Biennial
- Art based on racial injustice & class struggle
Wikipedia Link
Wangechi Mutu
- 1972 -
- Born in Nairobi, Kenya
- Gender constructs, social trauma, environmental destruction
- African futurism
- Countless international exhibitions
- Venice Biennale 2015
Wikipedia Link
Support Equality
The National Museum of African American History and Culture [link]
- This Smithsonian museum is based in Washington D.C. and holds a large collection of objects that help visitors learn about African American history in the U.S.
Black Renaissance: The Art and Soul of Our Stories | YouTube Originals [link]
- In this 1.5 hour video learn more about Black voices in art and culture
Eat Okra [link]
- This app is great for finding black owned restaurant/food based businesses in your area
28 Days of Black History [link]
- Subscribe to Anti-Racism Daily to get daily anti-racism education emails
The Culture LP [link]
- A Brooklyn based organization, The Culture LP works with artists of color to help educate through art and culture
Please note these lists are not comprehensive, but rather a starting point for those who want to know more and don't know where to start. All suggestions for additions to any of the lists are welcome. To submit a suggestion, contact me here.
