More and more we are seeing images that depict the
positive aspects of the African American experience
displayed in homes, offices and churches across the
country. African Americans are spending more time in
galleries, museums, artist studios and at auctions.
Collecting fine art has become a very serious business
within the African American Community. Many art lovers
and collectors request specific information about the
artist their supporting, their credentials, edition
sizes, types of paper, reproduction methods and so on.
They are more concerned about pieces of value that can
be handed down to their grandchildren. This growing
trend comes from African Americans saying “Show me,
Me!”
African American art has a greater importance than
decoration to accent your home. There is little question
that art enriches our environment. African American Art
gives our children powerful role models while showing
them the strength and beauty of the past or the bright
hope of their future. It documents history and the full
celebration of the African American culture.
For over 500 years
African American art has shaped who we are, African
Americans can track our journey threw art from freedom
in Africa to enslavement in the United States. But what
you may not be aware of is the struggle African American
artists have endured. All cultures except African
Americans were able to document their history in art,
for example look at all we learned about the Egyptians
from their art drawn in stone but for African Americans
just as their was no freedom for us to speak, or write
the rules were clearly defined and cultural expression
was not acceptable in art. It took an amazing group of
dedicated artist to overcome many personal and social
obstacles in order to create. In fact it wasn’t until
the Harlem Renaissance Period, just 80 years ago that
African American artist were able to document the social
issues, spiritual experiences and our cultural
expressions. Even though they were able to express
themselves they were still excluded from teaching
institutions and major art institutions that were
available to other races. 80 years we’ve come along way.
Artist today can boost of notoriety never before
experienced. We have artist like
Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden,
Charles White and
Aaron Douglas who’s work now share a well-
deserved place in American art history. And despite
deprivation and adversity African American artist
continue to achieve, but nevertheless, it is true that
African American art has not achieved the recognition it
deserves. The trend of show me, ME needs to continue and
grow, so African American artist and their works can be
among American history.
The doors are open there is no better time to begin
establishing a collection. You can treat yourself, your
family members and your friends to the gift of art.
Every one of us can participate in the pleasure, the
beauty, the stimulation, the inspiration of African
American Art. Becoming a believer in the philosophy of
promoting African American artist after a history of
underexposure is an investment for our future.
Maya Angelou once said - “if a visitor sought to
understand the depth of strength in the human heart, I
would direct the requester to search in African American
Art.
For over 10 years, Jackie
Thompson has been an art dealer for African
American Art. She is frequently called on by galleries,
insurance companies, businesses, interior designers,
media outlets and collectors for her advice and
opinions. She currently owns
Overdue Recognition Art Gallery in Bowie,
Maryland. For more information visit
www.overduerecognition.com.
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