Black Art v. The Black Artist

(I preformed a Google search for “Black Art” and this is one of the many images that the search engine found…)

There is an ongoing debate in the art community on how to classify art made by African American artists (often referred to as black art). After doing a good deal of reflection on this term, I came to the conclusion that “black art” does not exist. Yes, Black artists do exist, and at times they do create work that reflects our culture, but black artists should not be limited to one genre, but rather be looked at as artists that create work that inspires them. Although it is possible to create art that is thematically black, it is impossible to construct art in a distinctly “African American style”. Although art created by African Americans is capable of reflecting the history of artists of color, black artists should not be limited to art that reflects African American subject matter.

A recent article in the New York Times titled “Reluctant Fraternity, Thinking Post-Black”, investigates the notion of black art and the black artist. Through examining and interviewing four prestigious African American artists (Edgar Arceneaux, Rodney McMillian, Mark Bradford and Kori Newkirk) journalist Jori Finkel explores the psyche of the contemporary black artist. I would highly suggest reading this article. Even if you are not very familiar with art “Reluctant Fraternity, Thinking Post-Black” provides a brief overview of the state if black art, and does a solid job of incorporating various perspectives.

Mark Bradford, one of the artists featured in the article currently has work on display Eden’s Edge at the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles (10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 443-7000). This group exhibition features fifteen Los Angeles contemporary artists and will be on display until September 2, 2007.I highly recommend the show and if possible, I advice you take the time visit the exhibition (and during the summer the Hammer Museum has free admission). In my opinion, Bradford’s work is moving, and quite frankly the best in the show.


WHAT DO YOU THINK?