Feb 20, 2025 · For centuries, African American artists have helped shape the visual culture of the United States. Often channeling their familial backgrounds and personal experiences in their work, these creative figures have influenced and inspired much of American art's evolution.

Famous black painters dot the landscape of art history, artists who drew on the experiences of the African American community to create fine art that often made statements about cultural identity and black culture specifically.

Mar 11, 2025 · Black art is not necessarily political, but, just like any art, it is still deeply rooted in the identity of its creator. Below is a by no means definitive list of 12 outstanding Black artists everyone needs to know.

Looking to deepen your knowledge of Black artists? Explore the connections between eight pairs of artists in our collection. Some share a similar approach to artmaking, others a specific subject. A few even knew each other personally—two were roommates and two are closely related.

In this article, we will identify 10 of the most famous African American artists in history and explore their works and styles, as well as how those work have impacted American culture as a whole. 1. Jean Michel Basquiat.

Explore works by Black artists through more than two centuries — from 19th century painters Joshua Johnson and Robert Seldon Duncanson — to modern and contemporary artists Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Kerry James Marshall, Charles White, Gordon Parks, Alma Thomas, Kara Walker, and more.

From a rare group of photographs by early African American studios to an important group of works by self-taught artist Bill Traylor to William H. Johnson’s vibrant portrayals of faith and family, to Mickalene Thomas’s contemporary exploration of black female identity, the museum’s holdings reflect its long-standing commitment to Black ...

Jan 21, 2025 · African American artists have contributed to this nation’s cultural landscape throughout its history. From colonial to modern times, realistic portraiture to striking abstractions, here we highlight twelve African American artists you should know more about.

This list of African-American visual artists is a list that includes dates of birth and death of historically recognized African-American fine artists known for the creation of artworks that are primarily visual in nature, including traditional media such as painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking, as well as more recent genres ...

Explore a selection of self-portraits and other works by Black artists in the Smithsonian's collections. Visual Art and the American Experience, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, illustrates the critical role American artists of African descent have played in shaping the history of American art.