Black History Month: A Highlight of 5 Black Artists
February 20, 2023
February is Black History Month, and it’s important to acknowledge the many Black artists who had an impact on the art community in some way. With the vibrant hues of Larry Poncho Brown’s paintings and Lillian Blades’s charming assemblages, the art community has never been so diverse and expressive. To celebrate Black History Month, let’s appreciate these five contemporary artists and their divine artwork.
1. Amy Sherald (Front Cover)
Amy Sherald is an African American painter who depicts African American people with contrasting colors in a simple, realistic, and unique style. She is most well known for her painting of former first lady, Michelle Obama, which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. The main focus of her works is African American cultural representation and making a statement in the art world. Sherald won the Driskell Prize of $25,000 in 2018 for her creative contributions to not only the arts, but to the Black community as well.
2. Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Njideka is a visual collage artist from Nigeria who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Her layering techniques and style in her art resemble the layers of the cultures she is exposed to, such as her Nigerian roots and American cultures. The patterns in her works are valuable fabrics from her family and culture, which are important to her. Njideka’s artwork truly expresses her identity in mixed cultures as a Nigerian-American and represents people of color in the art community In 2017, Crosby received a McArthur Award (Genius Grant).
3. Larry Poncho Brown
A Baltimore native, Larry “Poncho” Brown is an artist with a passion for creating art that speaks to the soul and creates a visual representation of African American culture and struggles. He graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Larry was originally a professional sign painter until he branched out into working with mediums such as sculpting, however, he primarily works with acrylic in his art. Right: “Diversities” by Larry “Poncho” Brown.
4. Lillian Blades
Lillian Blades is a mixed media collage artist, and her talent flows into beautiful texture hanging pieces. Her West African ancestry and Bahamas native roots influence her detailed works, as well as her family of quilters and seamstresses. Lillian’s art can be found in many public places such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Jean Childs Young Middle School. Lillian is a recipient of the “Excellence of Arts” award from The Bahamas Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia as well as the “Visual Artist of the Year” received by NBAF.
5. Nelson Makamo
Nelson Makomo is an artist that uses mediums of oil and charcoal to depict young, African children, mainly in rural South Africa. Makomo is Johannesburg based and has studied printmaking at Artist Proof Studios. Nelson Makamo’s astounding work has been shown in group and solo exhibitions across continents. His work is admired worldwide for his contribution to the African American community.
It is important to recognize the many black artists that have impacted the art community in great ways. Depicting the struggles and hardships of African Americans throughout history with art is something that speaks to the soul. Happy Black History Month!
Sources
https://www.phillipscollection.org/event/2018-03-28-amy-sherald (cover photo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeYP8ssD_BM
https://www.caciqueinternational.com/blog/2019/5/lilianblades
https://www.lillianblades.com/about