Curator's Corner

African American art

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month 2022: John Biggers

Monday, February 28, 2022 | Karl Cole

While John Biggers is known for his murals, he is equally as renowned for his graphic works. His realist style is tempered by an abstract simplification reminiscent of African art. He drew his subject ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month 2022: Mary A. Jackson

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 | Karl Cole

Mary A. Jackson is instrumental in bringing the African American tradition of sweetgrass basket making (called “Gullah” basketry) to international recognition. Sweetgrass basketry of ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month 2022: Mark Bradford

Monday, February 14, 2022 | Karl Cole

Let’s continue to celebrate art for Black History Month with the work of Mark Bradford. ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month 2022: Akili Ron Anderson

Monday, February 7, 2022 | Karl Cole

Let’s celebrate Black History Month by showing outstanding Black artists over the next few weeks. I’m starting the series with the work of Akili Ron Anderson. ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month: Hughie Lee-Smith

Monday, February 15, 2021 | Karl Cole

For my ongoing celebration of African American History month, let’s honor the life and work of Hughie Lee-Smith. He was one of many artists who matured during the Harlem Renaissance (1918– ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month: Nick Cave

Monday, February 8, 2021 | Karl Cole

February 4th was artist Nick Cave’s birthday, so let’s celebrate his art for African American History Month. ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month: David Butler

Monday, February 1, 2021 | Karl Cole

Let’s begin honoring African American History Month this year with the work of vernacular artist David Butler. His art reflects the long tradition of African-Caribbean influence in the art of ma ...

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Curator's Corner

Art for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Elizabeth Catlett

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | Karl Cole

In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am recognizing an African American artist who was as committed to equality—especially for African American women—as MLK and expressed it ...

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Curator's Corner

National Illinois Day

Monday, December 7, 2020 | Karl Cole

Being an art historian originally from Illinois, you just know that I have to celebrate National Illinois Day with some art. I chose two fascinating artists from Chicago. ...

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Curator's Corner

African American History Month: Martin Puryear and Margo Humphrey

Friday, February 14, 2020 | Karl Cole

Contemporary African American artists use diverse techniques, ideas, and the history of African Americans in works of art that speak in new and exciting ways, including these works from the 1980s and ...

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