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Please click on the little arrow below on the left for the introduction narrated by Louise Shields |
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10th Annual Black History Month
February 1st - February 28, 2024
Produced by Louise Shields
Artist~ Elizabeth Catlett American Sculptor 1915-2012 Elizabeth Catlett was one of the most influential sculptors and printmakers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Inspired by her great-great-grandmother’s stories of slavery and female resistance, she was an early advocate of women’s liberation and the empowerment of African Americans. A native of Washington, DC, she won a scholarship to the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh but was rejected because she was African American. Racial and gender inequities were key concerns and held a steadfast commitment to social and political justice. |
Carrie Mae Weems (born April 20, 1953) is considered one of the most important contemporary artists working in text, fabric, audio, digital images, and installation video, and is best known for her work in the field of photography. She picked up her first camera at the age of 18 years old. Ms. Weems achieved prominence through her early 1990s photographic project The Kitchen Table Series. Her award-winning photographs, films and videos have been shown in over fifty exhibitions in the United States and abroad. She creates artwork that focuses on serious issues faced by African Americans today, including racism, sexism, politics, and personal identity. |
Barbara Jones-Hogu Painter & Printmaker 1938 ~ 2017 Barbara Jones-Hogu is most associated with the Black Arts Movement of the 60’s and 70’s. Educated at Howard University she went on to receive her second Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Independent Filmmaking & Digital Imagery while in her 70’s. A prominent member of OBAC (Organization for Black American Culture), she served as a one of muralists that created the renowned Wall of Respect in 1967 in South Chicago, which became an artistic expression of freedom and liberation as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. Jones-Hogu also was a founding member of (AfriCOBRA), an African American artist collective that stressed the importance of black consciousness, self-determination, and black pride. Wall of Respect Mural, Chicago 1967- 1971 
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Born Faith Will Jones on October 8, 1930, Faith Ringgold is an American artist activist, author and cultural icon who is celebrated for creating innovative, narrative quilts that communicate her political beliefs. Faith Ringgold has written and illustrated numerous children’s books and received many awards. Her career has been prolific and diverse. The painted narrative quilts grew out of her desire to condemn racism and discrimination. As noted by the artist, “Quilts became a means of getting my own story out there.” Faith Ringgold created African-style masks, painted political posters, and actively sought the racial integration of the New York art world. At the age of 90, Faith Ringgold continues to create artwork and fight in the struggles to resolve the current issues in today’s unsettling climate.
Augusta Savage (born Augusta Christine Fells)
1892-1962
Sculptor
"The Harp"~ 1939 Inspired by James Weldon Johnson's 1900 poem-themed Lift Every Voice and Sing. The Harp symbolized the musical contributions of African Americans.
Augusta Savage was a successful sculptor, educator, activist, and lobbyist for the arts. In 1923, Augusta applied for a scholarship to study abroad but was rejected because of her race. She went to the local newspaper and spoke out against the committee's discriminatory selection process. Although a courageous move, the committee did not change their decision of allowing blacks in their program. In 1932, Augusta Savage became the first African American woman to open her own art studio in Harlem. In 1939, Augusta was commissioned to create the Harp, a 16 - foot musical instrument created for the 1939 New York World's Fair.
Edmonia Lewis (Wildfire) Her Native American Name
1844-1907, Sculptor
"Forever Free" (Morning of Liberty) 1867-68, marble statue
depicting two slaves who were freed due to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Union victory of the Civil War.
Edmonia Lewis was the first sculptor of African American and Native American descent to achieve international acclaim and recognition. In 1859, she attended Oberlin College in Ohio, one of the first schools to accept black students. She moved to Rome to escape racial tensions as a black artist and studied stonework. Edmonia created all her own work; out of fear that if she didn’t, her work would not be accepted as original. Her sculpted works depict her Native American heritage and the oppression of black people. Edmonia Lewis is recognized as one of 100 most important African Americans in History.
1844-1907, Sculptor
"Forever Free" (Morning of Liberty) 1867-68, marble statue
depicting two slaves who were freed due to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Union victory of the Civil War.
Edmonia Lewis was the first sculptor of African American and Native American descent to achieve international acclaim and recognition. In 1859, she attended Oberlin College in Ohio, one of the first schools to accept black students. She moved to Rome to escape racial tensions as a black artist and studied stonework. Edmonia created all her own work; out of fear that if she didn’t, her work would not be accepted as original. Her sculpted works depict her Native American heritage and the oppression of black people. Edmonia Lewis is recognized as one of 100 most important African Americans in History.
Lorna Simpson~ Photographer and Multimedia Artist b~1960 to present
"Earth & Sky" # 3, 2016, Collage on paper 11 x 8 1/2
Lorna Simpson is best known for creating powerful artwork that combines photographs with words (photo texts) and incorporating video installation, paintings, collages, and film into her works. Most of Lorna Simpson’s art depicts African American women dealing with issues of racial stereotypes, gender, culture, and history. Her work has been exhibited in museums and art galleries around the country. Lorna Simpson is the recipient of The Whitney Museum of American Art and the J. Paul Getty Medal.
“In Lorna Simpson’s collages … black women’s heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors … It is sinuous and cloudy and fully alive.”
"Earth & Sky" # 3, 2016, Collage on paper 11 x 8 1/2
Lorna Simpson is best known for creating powerful artwork that combines photographs with words (photo texts) and incorporating video installation, paintings, collages, and film into her works. Most of Lorna Simpson’s art depicts African American women dealing with issues of racial stereotypes, gender, culture, and history. Her work has been exhibited in museums and art galleries around the country. Lorna Simpson is the recipient of The Whitney Museum of American Art and the J. Paul Getty Medal.
“In Lorna Simpson’s collages … black women’s heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors … It is sinuous and cloudy and fully alive.”
Pat Ward Williams b~ 1948
“WHAT YOU LOOK'N AT,” 1991/2007,
PHOTOGRAPH AND MIXED MEDIA, 96”
Pat Ward Williams is an acclaimed artist and photographer. Her work is politically charged and focuses on race relations, gender, history, and violence in the lives of African Americans in the U.S. Williams works in a variety of media, often combining photographs, objects, and text. U.S. In her photographs, she uses mixed media, often creating collages weaved with text. The artist’s work is not only remarkable, but it also challenges its viewers to confront racial issues in society today.
“WHAT YOU LOOK'N AT,” 1991/2007,
PHOTOGRAPH AND MIXED MEDIA, 96”
Pat Ward Williams is an acclaimed artist and photographer. Her work is politically charged and focuses on race relations, gender, history, and violence in the lives of African Americans in the U.S. Williams works in a variety of media, often combining photographs, objects, and text. U.S. In her photographs, she uses mixed media, often creating collages weaved with text. The artist’s work is not only remarkable, but it also challenges its viewers to confront racial issues in society today.
Betye Saar ~ American Artist and Educator, b ~ 1926
The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, 1972
Betye Saar is best known for creating art assemblages evoking strong social and political symbolism that challenge racism, sexism, stereotypes, and myths held about black women. Her artwork is aimed to empower the black women and transform the negative narrative that remains entrenched in our country. The artist is credited for launching the Black Women’s movement. At age 94, Betye Saar continues to be an activist for political and social change.
Artist statement, “The reasoning behind this decision is to empower black women and not let the narrative of a white person determine how black women should view herself."
The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, 1972
Betye Saar is best known for creating art assemblages evoking strong social and political symbolism that challenge racism, sexism, stereotypes, and myths held about black women. Her artwork is aimed to empower the black women and transform the negative narrative that remains entrenched in our country. The artist is credited for launching the Black Women’s movement. At age 94, Betye Saar continues to be an activist for political and social change.
Artist statement, “The reasoning behind this decision is to empower black women and not let the narrative of a white person determine how black women should view herself."
Inspirational Quotes by black female artists /activists~
Maya Angelou~ “The more you know your history, the more liberated you are.”
Katherine Dunham~ “My job is to create a useful legacy.”
Elizabeth Catlett~ “Art is only important to the extent that it aids in the liberation of our people.”
Nina Simone~ “I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.”
Dorothy Height~ “I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom…I want to be remembered as one who tried.”
Kara Walker~" I don't think that my work is about blackness per se, but about blackness and whiteness, and what they mean and how they interact with one another and what power is about."
Harriet Tubman~ “Remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Howardena Pindell~ "I want as many people as possible to know that I am black and that, no matter what, you don't give up."
Maya Angelou~ “The more you know your history, the more liberated you are.”
Katherine Dunham~ “My job is to create a useful legacy.”
Elizabeth Catlett~ “Art is only important to the extent that it aids in the liberation of our people.”
Nina Simone~ “I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.”
Dorothy Height~ “I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom…I want to be remembered as one who tried.”
Kara Walker~" I don't think that my work is about blackness per se, but about blackness and whiteness, and what they mean and how they interact with one another and what power is about."
Harriet Tubman~ “Remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Howardena Pindell~ "I want as many people as possible to know that I am black and that, no matter what, you don't give up."
Vision of Hope~ Original Artwork and Quote by Louise Shields
30 x 40 Mixed Media ~Collage
With a vision, there is hope.
With hope, there is action.
With action, there is change.
With change, there is transformation.
I Visualize Peace.
