Black History Month 2023: Artists and Exhibitions
Helina Metaferia,‘Headdress 14’, 2019. Collaged paper. 68 x 37 x 2 inches framed. Photo: Helina Metaferia/Courtesy of the artist/The Cut
Art is an active medium for expression, storytelling, activism, and education of Black identity and the Black experience. Given the amount of thoughtful curation and education shared by the contemporary art community, we’ve consolidated a snapshot list of articles and announced exhibitions that can support your celebration of Black History Month throughout February and the months beyond.
Celebrating Black creators across the globe: 10 must-see exhibitions of 2023
Jamea Richmond-Edwards (born Detroit, Michigan, 1982; based in Detroit, Michigan), ‘This Water Runs Deep’, 2022. Mixed media on canvas with sound: 2 min., 18 sec., 96 in. × 15 ft. (243.8 × 457.2 cm). Courtesy of the artist and Kravets Wehby Gallery / Christies.
“February marks Black History Month in the United States and Canada, dedicated to recognizing important figures and events in the history of the African diaspora. The United Kingdom and Ireland observe Black History Month in October. These month-long observances are intended as annual culminations of ongoing efforts to share and elevate Black history and culture.
The following exhibitions offer opportunities to celebrate the works of Black artists and their contributions to the art historical canon throughout the year and across the globe. From Rotterdam to Los Angeles, immersive experiences and groundbreaking retrospectives, here are 10 must-see exhibitions of Black creators in 2023.”
From Artsy
by Ayanna Dozier
28 Overlooked Black Artists to Discover This Black History Month
“In honor of Black History Month, Artsy is featuring the work of 28 Black artists who are not as widely known or celebrated as some of their historical or contemporary peers. This list is meant to shine a light on artists who have prominence within institutions, but are often excluded from mainstream conversations meant to amplify overlooked Black artists or canonize them as leading figures of art history.”
From Getty
By Caitlin Shamberg
Celebrate Black History Month with Artists in their Own Words
Portrait of Betye Saar, 1970. Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles, California. Image credit: Getty
“What makes someone an artist?
In 1975, artist Betye Saar talked about controlling her destiny, to become “a true, free, creative person.” In 2018, historian, artist, and educator David Driskell said that art was, for him, “a very special gift…very serious business.”
In interviews and oral histories, these artists talked about their gifts, their art, and what it took to break through racial barriers to find creative freedom.
In celebration of Black History Month (and Black art history), here’s a short list of oral histories, podcasts, and videos that showcase iconic artists in their own words.”
From Cultured Magazine
By Dominique Clayton
6 Emerging Black American Artists to Keep On Your Radar
Covering a wide range of practices, these rising artists are making a name for themselves while also honoring the influences of Black art pioneers.
Rakeem Cunningham in his studio in Los Angeles, California, 2019. Image courtesy of the Artist and OCHI. Image credit: Rakeem Cunningham/Cultured Magazine
Ciarra K. Walters. Photography by Jay Po Gordon. Image credit: Ciarra K. Walters/Cultured Magazine
“While the debate about the qualifications of “emerging” artist continues—especially given the complication of social media—the simplest way to approach at the ambiguous classification is by looking at artists in the early stages of their careers: those that are just starting their journey and already gaining the attention of curators and collectors. In other words, artists who know how to drive and have their foot on the pedal. In the midst of Black History Month, CULTURED looked across geography and disciplines for this group of interesting, committed, and dynamic emerging Black American artists primed to change the world.”
The Best Black Art Shows in Los Angeles Right Now
Kwame Brathwaite, ‘Untitled (Clara Lewis Buggs with Yellow Flower)’, 1962, printed in 2020. Image courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles / Cultured Magazine
“With the start of Black History Month and Frieze around the corner, the city presents an array of diverse and dynamic exhibitions by Black creatives.
Despite a gloomy, wet, and rainy start to 2023, Los Angeles is beginning February and Black History Month with sunshine and a diverse array of art exhibitions, symbolizing a hopeful and strong year ahead. Phillips Auction house opened its new West Hollywood digs with a gorgeous show, "A Love Letter to LA," that is curated by Storm Ascher of Superposition Gallery and features over 20 artists from a variety of disciplines. My favorites from the exhibition, which is open through Feb. 3, include the multi-layered assemblages by Timothy Washington, whose LA art career launched over 50 years ago in a group show at LACMA with other LA legends like Charles White and David Hammons. The noted work of the Black Arts Movement member is joined by ceramic pieces by Alex Anderson, Mustafa Ali Clayton, and Rikki Wright, as well as a variety of figurative and abstract painting and mixed media works by some of the hottest emerging artists out now.”
From The Cut
By Shaquille Heath
Women at Rest: Ten Black artists imagine the freedom of leisure at ICA San Francisco’s “Resting Our Eyes” exhibition
Mickalene Thomas, ‘Love’s Been Good to Me #2’, 2010. Rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel on wood panel. 96 x 72 inches. Photo: Mickalene Thomas/ Collection of Jeffrey N Dauber and Marc A Levin/The Cut
“In 1977, a group of Black feminist lesbians known as the Combahee River Collective met together to discuss, understand, and develop a consciousness for Black women to engage in politics. Identifying the place of Black women within the historical reality as “a continuous life-and-death struggle for survival and liberation,” these revolutionary thinkers developed the renowned “Combahee River Collective Statement.” The entire declaration is a powerful document, but one line in particular would mark the hearts and minds of generations to come: “If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.”
This statement inspired the Institute of Contemporary Art in San Francisco’s upcoming exhibition “Resting Our Eyes.” On view through June 25, it focuses on the liberation and celebration of Black women in positions of leisure. With 20 multigenerational Black artists, including Lorna Simpson and Simone Leigh, the show invites viewers to see Black women in expressions of freedom.”
From Artnet (2021)
By Katie Rothstein
Want to Learn More About Black Artists During Black History Month? Here’s a List of Resources to Get You Started
If you can't visit a museum, you can still learn plenty from home.
Works by Barry Yusufu on view in "The Medium Is the Message" at the Unit London Gallery. Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images.
“In honor of Black History Month, we put together a list of what social media accounts to follow, videos and films to watch, and books to read to catch yourself up on Black art history. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and of course there are many other ways to learn. But for those looking for a way in, here are some suggestions on where you can begin.”
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