Black Art Movement and the Rise of Black Female Artists

Mainstream media does a poor job of representing black artists everywhere. However, black female artists have received little to no recognition throughout history. But now, things have changed for the better, and black women are creating waves in the contemporary fine arts.

This blog discusses the history of black women, the black art movement, and the rise of black female artists.

The Darkest Era—Black Women and Slavery

African-American folk art is a popular art category in various museums, but most don’t deserve their due recognition. The most recognizable moment in black female art history was Harriet Powers and her African-American folk art. She was born in Georgia in 1937, was a slave, and was freed after the Civil War. Her art pieces have been preserved by the Boston’s Museum of Fine Art.

Other historical pieces by black slave women are also shown in the prestigious Whitney Museum of American Art. The contribution of black women in art in the era of slavery shows their resilience to display their skills even in the darkest moments.

The Black Arts Movement

In the 1950s and 1960s, black artists had a harder time gaining recognition for their artwork. Due to gender inequality, black women had even less acceptance than black men in mainstream American art. However, a few notable names managed to create waves.

One of them was Elizabeth Catlett, a black sculptor and printmaker. She spent most of her career raising her voice for black women’s inclusion in art. Moreover, one of her art pieces, ‘Homage to My Young Black Sisters,’ was recognized by the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1968. After Elizabeth Catlett, Alma Woodsey Thomas, a black abstract painter, became the first black woman to exhibit her paintings solely at the Whitney Museum in New York.

21st Century and the Rise of Black Female Artists

The 21st century witnessed a wave of critically acclaimed black female artists addressing harsh stereotypes. Their artworks are displayed in exhibitions, with support from art lovers everywhere. Even historically unrecognized black female artists are now gaining popularity for their work.

However, black female artists still need our support to get the recognition they deserve. At Four You Gallery, our online exhibitions by female artists have equal opportunities for black female artists to display contemporary fine art pieces.

Visit our website, and show support for black female artists by purchasing their contemporary art for sale online.