Art African-American culture

from origins in slave communities, through end of 20th century, african-american art has made vital contribution art of united states. during period between 17th century , 19th century, art took form of small drums, quilts, wrought-iron figures, , ceramic vessels in southern united states. these artifacts have similarities comparable crafts in west , central africa. in contrast, african-american artisans new england–based engraver scipio moorhead , baltimore portrait painter joshua johnson created art conceived in thoroughly western european fashion.

during 19th century, harriet powers made quilts in rural georgia, united states considered among finest examples of 19th-century southern quilting. later in 20th century, women of gee s bend developed distinctive, bold, , sophisticated quilting style based on traditional african-american quilts geometric simplicity developed separately of amish quilts , modern art.

midnight golfer eugene j. martin, mixed-media collage on rag paper

after american civil war, museums , galleries began more display work of african-american artists. cultural expression in mainstream venues still limited dominant european aesthetic , racial prejudice. increase visibility of work, many african-american artists traveled europe had greater freedom. not until harlem renaissance more european americans began pay attention african-american art in america.

during 1920s, artists such raymond barthé, aaron douglas, augusta savage, , photographer james van der zee became known work. during great depression, new opportunities arose these , other african-american artists under wpa. in later years, other programs , institutions, such new york city-based harmon foundation, helped foster african-american artistic talent. augusta savage, elizabeth catlett, lois mailou jones, romare bearden, jacob lawrence, , others exhibited in museums , juried art shows, , built reputations , followings themselves.

in 1950s , 1960s, there few accepted african-american artists. despite this, highwaymen, loose association of 27 african-american artists ft. pierce, florida, created idyllic, realized images of florida landscape , peddled 50,000 of them trunks of cars. sold art directly public rather through galleries , art agents, receiving name highwaymen . rediscovered in mid-1990s, today recognized important part of american folk history. artwork collected enthusiasts , original pieces can fetch thousands of dollars in auctions , sales.

the black arts movement of 1960s , 1970s period of resurgent interest in african-american art. during period, several african-american artists gained national prominence, among them lou stovall, ed love, charles white, , jeff donaldson. donaldson , group of african-american artists formed afrocentric collective africobra, remains in existence today. sculptor martin puryear, work has been acclaimed years, being honored 30-year retrospective of work @ museum of modern art in new york in november 2007. notable contemporary african-american artists include willie cole, david hammons, eugene j. martin, mose tolliver, reynold ruffins, late william tolliver, , kara walker.