Modern African American Art and Artists

Like many artists who use cultural and ethnicDouglas went on after painting his magnificent
heritage as an inspiration for their art, modernmurals to inspire others interested in modern
African American art often has strong roots inAfrican American art at Fisk University. His
Africa. For many African American artists, theinfluence can be felt in the art world even now,
Southern region of the U.S. also represents a27 years after his death.
huge emphasis on the composition and subject ofOne female African American artist who strongly
their work. There is a growing awareness of thisaffected the modern African American art scene
unique form of expression and of the artists whois Clementine Hunter. She didn't begin painting until
create the works. For many years Africanafter the age of 40. Her work is simple and two
American art has been tagged as crafts anddimensional, depicting Southern life through her
seriously under appreciated. Fortunately that trendeyes. Many consider her to be one of the most
is changing and people from all ethnic backgroundsimportant artists to come from the South. Her
and lifestyles have more opportunities to viewAfrican American painting was first recognized in
and learn from modern African American art. Inthe 1950's and continues to inspire.
order to more fully appreciate these artists, it isRegardless of the media and subject chosen,
important to take a look at some of the Africanmodern African American art is finally receiving
American artists who paved the way.the attention and acclaim it deserves. Thanks to
Henry O. Tanner (1859-1937) is best known forthe many exceptional artists who gave the world
his painting "The Banjo Lesson." Initially his worka picture of the little talked about culture from
reflected the black experience and his impressionswhich they came, young up and coming African
of that life. Later in life he added more to modernAmerican artists have an easier road to follow to
African American art with his works of religiousreceive the recognition they deserve. Great things
influence. Mr. Tanner made several trips to thecan come from the lessons of these past artists.
Holy Land to find inspiration for his art.Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts
As can be expected, the American era of slaverydegree in Fine Art from the University of Ife,
often plays a large part in modern AfricanIle-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in
American art. This is certainly true of ClaudePainting from The Hoffberger School of Painting,
Clark's work. A Georgia native, he has styled hisMaryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.
work with strong Southern and African themes.One of Africa's most celebrated and renowned
His style is direct and the intention of his work iscontemporary African American artist, Mr.
clear. One of his most well known paintings "SlaveOgundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa,
Lynching" is an obvious commentary of the socialEurope and the USA. His paintings have been
climate of the slavery era.described as hypnotic, colorful and densely
There is unlikely to be an art lover who has neverpatterned.
heard of the Harlem Renaissance. Aaron DouglasIn 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the
did some of his finest work in that period. ThePollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was
murals of the Harlem Renaissance are popular andinvited to become a member of Africobra, an
some of Douglas's work can be seen in librariesorganization founded in the 1960s and whose
and public buildings in this form. His favoritemembership comprises of distinguished
inspirations were important people and significantAfrican-American artists.
events in the African American history. Aaron