Hello folks! Here we explore America in search of the art produced by the descendents of those who came here from the African continent. They were brought here unfairly under the auspices of slavery. They settled in various parts of America from the South as a result of migrations. They fought for their freedom and their right to equality in the civil rights movement. The struggle of African-Americans through the centuries continues today in this country, and is likewise mirrored in their art. Many aspects of the lives of African-Americans are presented and celebrated in their art, such as the family. Spirituality is also held to be important, as one sees in works dealing with
religion. One also sees imagery of the celebration of
music. Also honored are figures in sports. However, the scope of the African-American experience is not limited to any number of categories. We will see this as we traverse America in search of the work of these artists. So come along, and we'll begin our journey!
Here in the Northeast Region, we see the work of an artist who conveys expression through color, Synthia Saint James. Saint James is an artist of New York. We next visit a realist who captures life's fleeting moments, Alonzo Adams. Now we take a look at the pictures depicting the positive aspects of social life by
Raymond Wade. Adams and Wade are artists of Philadelphia.
Moving along to the Great Lakes Region, we visit the studio of an artist whose portrays the struggle, Gilbert Young. Next we view paintings of African and African-American themes by Spearman. Spearman is an artist of Detroit. Finally, we drop in on an artist whose travels have taken him outside the realm of the Black experience in America, Paul Collins. We now continue west!
In the Northwest Region, we visit a woodcarver who reflects his history and culture through symbolism,
Edward Nelson. Now we drop in on an artist who presents works with a message,
Mario Dalpra.
Moving down to the Southwest Region, we see portraits done by TheArthur Wright. Wright is an artist from Oakland. Now we look at work portraying African-American women by Monica
Stewart. Next let's admire the pictures of everyday scenes by Brenda Joysmith. Moving along, we stop to view the powerful stylized art forms of Charles Bibbs. Now we drop in on an artist who depicts the art of the spirit, Kathleen Atkins Wilson. We see works of the feminine spirit by Mari Hall. Now we visit an artist who has depicted the struggle for humanity and freedom of her people, Samella Lewis. Lewis is an artist of Los Angeles. On to view the work of an artist who strives for change and communication, Paul A. Houzell, Jr.. Next we visit graffiti artist Nomzee. We see the portraits of musical figures by Rebecca
Andrews. Next we see more musical imagery in the art of Paul Rogers. Finally, we visit a woman who combines her poetry with her art,
Yvette Sang'iewa.
Coming to the South Central Region, we see the historical art of artist Nathan Jones. Jones is an artist of Dallas. Next we admire the sculptural statements of Tony Sherman. Sherman is an artist of Houston. Moving on, we view the folk art images of
Michael Gauthier. Finally, we see an aspect of imported African religion in these Voodoo Dolls. These particular dolls can be found, among other places, in New Orleans.
In the Southeast Region, we drop in on a folk artist whose works derive from "sweetmud," Jim Sudduth. Next we visit humorist and realist Black Americana artist Annie Lee. We now stop by the studio of a painter who depicts human nature, William Tolliver. Tolliver is from the area of Jackson. We stop and view scenes of African-American experiences by
Arthello Black. Next we see images from the past in the paintings of Donald Scott. Scott is an artist of Atlanta. We admire everyday scenes by Kimbo; now we look at positive African-American images in the pen and ink works of
Staci-Jefferson-Brown. We next see the cultural pride in the Black family depicted by
Ronnie Strong. Moving on, we see musical iconography in the works of Patterson & Barnes. We next stop and see musician portraits painted by
Jim Beller. Finally, we view images of children in the art of Doris E. Hughes. Hughes lives near Washington, D.C.. And now our journey is complete!
Well folks, hope you enjoyed your journey in search of African-American art! It was enriching to gain an insight into the lives of African-Americans today by viewing their art and absorbing their thoughts concerning their art and their heritage. These artists are shaped not only by their experiences as African-Americans, but also by their personal experiences as individuals.
Continue on to Latino-American Art.