Modern African American Art and Artists

Like many artists who use cultural and ethnic heritageAmerican history. Aaron Douglas went on after
as an inspiration for their art, modern African Americanpainting his magnificent murals to inspire others
art often has strong roots in Africa. For many Africaninterested in modern African American art at Fisk
American artists, the Southern region of the U.S. alsoUniversity. His influence can be felt in the art world
represents a huge emphasis on the composition andeven now, 27 years after his death.
subject of their work. There is a growing awarenessOne female African American artist who strongly
of this unique form of expression and of the artistsaffected the modern African American art scene is
who create the works. For many years AfricanClementine Hunter. She didn’t begin painting until
American art has been tagged as crafts and seriouslyafter the age of 40. Her work is simple and two
under appreciated. Fortunately that trend is changingdimensional, depicting Southern life through her eyes.
and people from all ethnic backgrounds and lifestylesMany consider her to be one of the most important
have more opportunities to view and learn fromartists to come from the South. Her African American
modern African American art. In order to more fullypainting was first recognized in the 1950’s and
appreciate these artists, it is important to take a look atcontinues to inspire.
some of the African American artists who paved theRegardless of the media and subject chosen, modern
way.African American art is finally receiving the attention
Henry O. Tanner (1859-1937) is best known for hisand acclaim it deserves. Thanks to the many
painting “The Banjo Lesson.” Initially his workexceptional artists who gave the world a picture of
reflected the black experience and his impressions ofthe little talked about culture from which they came,
that life. Later in life he added more to modern Africanyoung up and coming African American artists have
American art with his works of religious influence. Mr.an easier road to follow to receive the recognition they
Tanner made several trips to the Holy Land to finddeserve. Great things can come from the lessons of
inspiration for his art.these past artists.
As can be expected, the American era of slaveryMr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in
often plays a large part in modern African AmericanFine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a
art. This is certainly true of Claude Clark’s work. AMaster of Fine Art degree in Painting from The
Georgia native, he has styled his work with strongHoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute
Southern and African themes. His style is direct andCollege of Art, Baltimore, USA.
the intention of his work is clear. One of his most wellOne of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned
known paintings “Slave Lynching” is an obviouscontemporary African American artist, Mr. Ogundipe
commentary of the social climate of the slavery era.has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the
There is unlikely to be an art lover who has neverUSA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic,
heard of the Harlem Renaissance. Aaron Douglas didcolorful and densely patterned.
some of his finest work in that period. The murals ofIn 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the
the Harlem Renaissance are popular and some ofPollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited
Douglas’s work can be seen in libraries and publicto become a member of Africobra, an organization
buildings in this form. His favorite inspirations werefounded in the 1960s and whose membership
important people and significant events in the Africancomprises of distinguished African-American artists.