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African American Art



African American artists, like many artists, use their cultural heritage as a backdrop for their inspiration and creativity.  The Southern region of the U.S. is often the subject of their work.  To date, there is a growing awareness of this unique form of expression, and of the artists who are the creative force behind this new movement.


For many years, African American art has generally been tagged as crafts, which has left it seriously under appreciated.  That trend seems to be changing, and there are now increasing opportunities to learn from modern African American art. Harry O. Tanner, best known for his painting titled “The Banjo Lesson”, reflected the black experience and his own personal impressions of that life.  The American era of slavery often plays a large part in modern African American art.

There are very few art lovers that are not familiar with the Harlem Renaissance.  Aaron Douglas is another notable African American artist that did some of his finest work during this period.  Important people and significant events were some of his favorite inspirations. African American Art represents a wide range of works that reflect the Black aseshetic and experience.  It also is a testament of how black artists struggled for inclusion in the world’s marketplace—with respect to the imposition of marginal statue that was placed on them, their art, and their culture.

As far back as colonial times to the present, African American artists were recognized on a very limited bases.  Until recently, there have been few African American artists who have attained the understanding, patronage, and security of most artists.  During colonial times, there were many black artists and people of crafts who did not gain historical recognition. During and after slavery, there were a number of black men who became skilled artisians which afforded them the opportunity for artistic expression and development. In contrast, very few black females reached this status.

From its humble beginning in rock painting to its depictions of slavery, apartheid, and injustice, black fine art is an expression of the feelings and emotions of a diverse, racially unified community of artists. The rest of the world now has the opportunity to see and experience this unique form of painting.

 

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