Tag: Black Artist

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Podcast Projects

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality
Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces" presented by ArtAboveReality

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery. In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

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Categories
Podcast Projects

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces
Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In Episode One, I sit down with Des Moines, Iowa based artist B. Robert Moore. Multidisciplinary self-taught artist started painting in 2018-19 to counter drug addiction and alcoholism. As a tool to counter mental health issues and life trauma, Moore paints figurative works amongst other contemporary works that all are inner connected through Moore’s identity and experience as a Black man in America.

Growing up in Iowa, a predominantly White-conservative state has inspired Moore to uplift narratives and images of people from his community and abroad who identify through similar life identity and experiences. Storytelling is the backbone of Moore’s work, as the composition of the visual only aides the hours of research and layered symbolism throughout each individual work.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

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Editorial

A Journey Through Text-Based Modern and Contemporary Art

A Journey Through Text-Based Modern and Contemporary Art

In December, I embarked on an intriguing journey, curating a threads conversation-style exhibition of text-based works from modern and contemporary art. It turned out to be more than just an academic exercise; it became a vibrant conversation among art enthusiasts. It was so cool that I figured that doing a different style or art period each month would be very exciting and educational for folks who want to discuss Modern and Contemporary Art! Let me walk you through this remarkable array of artists and their unique perspectives on text in art. We kicked off the month with Christopher Wool, On Kawara, and Glenn Ligon, who are iconic for their text-based puns and the historical significance of their work. They set a high bar for the exhibition, provoking plenty of thought and discussion. Interestingly, I made a conscious choice to omit Richard Prince, preferring to spotlight less predictable choices.

Then, I revisited a piece by Barbara Kruger, displayed at the Hirshhorn in DC. Kruger is known for her bold use of text to convey powerful messages, and she even had to defend her intellectual property against the likes of Supreme. This incident opens up a fascinating dialogue about the intersection of art, commercialism, and intellectual property. Moving on, I considered the works of John Baldessari and Ed Ruscha for their simplicity and profound impact. Baldessari’s “What Is Painting” (1966-68) is particularly intriguing, as it blurs the lines between text and imagery.

Glenn Ligon, Figure #76, 2011, at the Marciano Art Foundation.
Christopher Wool, If You Can’t Take A Joke, 1992.
John Baldessari, What Is Painting, 1966-68.

Jason Rhoades’s installations were also a highlight. Known for their neon lighting and humorous yet thought-provoking statements, one such work at Hauser and Wirth in Los Angeles exemplified the complexity and layered nature of contemporary communication. The exploration then turned to Pope L., particularly his “Skin Sets” series. These works use text to explore race, color, and labeling. Pope L.’s passing added a poignant note to our exploration, reminding us of the lasting impact of an artist’s work.

Sam Durant’s light boxes, seen at Blum and Poe, Los Angeles, brought a dynamic element to the exhibition. His use of bold colors and thought-provoking text creates an illuminating presence, akin to the city’s billboards yet distinctly more inspiring. Peter Holzhauer’s work, “Door” (2018), discovered at the Art Los Angeles Contemporary Fair, brought a sense of nostalgia and humor. The piece resonates with childhood memories, showcasing the playful and often mischievous nature of text in art.

Concluding the month, Patrick Martinez’s work was featured. Like Jason Rhoades, Martinez uses illuminated text, but his focus is more on community and local styles, creating a direct and impactful dialogue with the viewer. This virtual exhibition wasn’t just a showcase of artworks; it was a journey through the diverse and evolving landscape of text-based art. Each artist brought a unique perspective, challenging and enriching our understanding of contemporary art.

On Kawara at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2019.
Patrick Martinez
Peter Holzhauer’s Door, 2018, at Art Los Angeles Contemporary Art Fair, 2018
Jason Rhoades installation at Hauser and Wirth Los Angeles
Pope L.
Here are some additions from some of the followers on Threads.
@braxtonjfuller
@zsorryon
@rre.paintings
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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Cliff Joseph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Cliff Joseph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Cliff Joseph

Cliff Ricardo Joseph

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Clifford Ricardo Joseph was born on June 23, 1922, in Panama City, Panama. He was an influential figure in both the art world and the field of art therapy and was also a notable activist. Born to parents who immigrated to the United States and settled in Harlem, New York, Joseph’s early life was shaped by these dynamic surroundings. He served in a field artillery unit overseas during WWII. Post-war, he pursued his passion for art at Pratt Institute, New York, graduating with a degree in illustration in 1952. He later returned to Pratt as an art therapy instructor. He also enhanced his expertise by studying at the Turtle Bay School of Therapy.

His artistic endeavors often reflected his strong anti-war stance, as many works critiqued the Vietnam War and warfare in general. A pivotal moment in Joseph’s career was in 1968 when he, alongside Benny Andrews and others, established the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition (BECC). This coalition arose as a reaction to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Harlem on My Mind” exhibition, which notably excluded Black artists. Joseph emphasized the importance of Black Art being curated by individuals who deeply understood the Black experience.

Cliff Joseph, Blackboard, Renee Yeager / Thom Pegg, Tyler Fine Art
Cliff Joseph, My Country Right or Wrong, Renee Yeager / Thom Pegg, Tyler Fine Art

As BECC’s co-chair, he was instrumental in organizing the “Rebuttal to Whitney Museum Exhibition” at the Acts of Art Gallery in Manhattan. This exhibition was a direct response to the Whitney Museum’s decision to proceed with the Contemporary Black Artists in America exhibition without consulting BECC or community representatives, a proposal Joseph and Andrews had made. Joseph’s contributions to art therapy were pioneering, particularly as one of the first African Americans in the field. He joined the American Art Therapy Association, becoming its first African-American member. His role in suggesting art-based therapies to Governor Nelson Rockefeller during the 1971 Attica Prison uprising, in collaboration with Andrews, was a testament to his belief in the healing power of art. By 1982, Joseph was practicing art therapy at Lincoln Hospital and held a position at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, marking his long-standing commitment to this discipline. Clifford Joseph passed away on November 8, 2020.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ulysses Davis

Ulysses Davis, Self-Portrait, 1968 © Ulysses Davis
Ulysses Davis, Self-Portrait, 1968 © Ulysses Davis

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ulysses Davis

Fallen Through The Cracks – Ulysses Davis

Ulysses Davis

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Ulysses Davis was born on January 13, 1913, in the railroad town of Fitzgerald, GA. He was an African-American barber and self-taught sculptor best known for his carvings of historical figures such as a set of mahogany busts of all the presidents (through George H. W. Bush). After being laid off by the railroad company in the 1950s, he opened the Ulysses Barber Shop in Savannah, Georgia, which doubled as an informal art gallery displaying his wood carvings.

Davis’s artistic process was marked by a distinct approach: he often eschewed preliminary sketches, preferring to shape his creations directly from the wood using hatchets, and band saws, and later refining them with chisels and knives. His toolkit was a testament to his ingenuity, featuring self-made tools that reflected the metalworking skills he honed as a young railroad blacksmith. Occasionally, he would employ barbering tools like scissors for intricate textural details. His sculptures, often embellished with shoe polish, rhinestones, and beads, showcased a unique blend of his diverse skills.

Ulysses Davis, Martin Luther King, 1968 © Ulysses Davis
Ulysses Davis, Self Portrait, 1968 © Ulysses Davis

Beyond his famous carvings of historical figures, Davis’s oeuvre included a wide array of subjects, from realistic animals to imaginative depictions of African tribal leaders and mythical creatures. His artistic vision was an amalgamation of various African motifs, contributing to a unique interpretation of African-American art.

Throughout his life, Davis created over 300 pieces, using materials as varied as shipyard lumber, donated wood, and standard lumber yard finds. His preference for working directly with the wood, carving, and refining without preliminary models, remained a consistent and defining aspect of his artistry. Ulysses Davis passed away in 1990 in Savannah, GA.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

Categories
Editorial

Happy Veterans Day! Here are a few artworks that highlight our servicemen.

Charles White, Soldier, 1944. © Estate of Charles White
Charles White, Soldier, 1944. © Estate of Charles White

Happy Veterans Day! Here are a few artworks that highlight our servicemen.

Happy Veterans Day!

#HappyVeteransDay to all the Vets and thank you for your service! I wanted to do a quick reel highlighting some works that focus on the lives of our heroes. Many black artists throughout history were soldiers and many have contributed some amazing visuals to life at War and Home. These artists #HoracePippin, #JacobLawrence, #CharlesWhite, and #JohnWoodrowWilson have works that I felt were apropos for today’s reflections. What are some of your favorite works that highlight the sacrifices and triumphs of our soldiers?

Horace Pippin, American (1888 – 1946) “The Ending of the War, Starting Home” (1930-1933)
Horace Pippin, American (1888 – 1946) “The Ending of the War, Starting Home” (1930-1933)
Jacob Lawrence War Series: Victory 1947
Jacob Lawrence War Series: Victory 1947
Charles White, Soldier, 1944. © Estate of Charles White
Charles White, Soldier, 1944. © Estate of Charles White
John Woodrow Wilson, Black Soldier, 1943
John Woodrow Wilson, Black Soldier, 1943

(All Images are the property of the copyright owners.)

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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Beauford Delaney

Beauford Delaney, Dark Rapture, 1941, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.
Beauford Delaney, Dark Rapture, 1941, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Beauford Delaney

Fallen Through The Cracks – Beauford Delaney

Beauford Delaney

#FallenThroughTheCracks –  Beauford Delaney was born on December 30, 1901, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Delaney’s artistic path began when, as a teenager. Alongside his younger brother Joseph, he started crafting his sign designs. Delaney’s thirst for artistic knowledge led him to Boston, where he pursued formal art education. He studied at institutions like the Massachusetts Normal School, the South Boston School of Art, and the Copley Society, acquiring a strong foundation in classical technique.

In Boston, Delaney not only honed his artistic skills but also engaged with significant figures in African-American activism and culture. With this valuable knowledge, he moved to New York in 1929, coinciding with the Harlem Renaissance—a time of cultural vitality in the black community. His art began to reflect the vibrant urban life of Harlem, capturing its essence through colorful and engaging canvases. Members of this disenfranchised community became the subjects of many of Delaney’s greatest New York period paintings.

Beauford Delaney, Dark Rapture, 1941, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.
Beauford Delaney, Auto Portrait Rapture, 1965, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.
Beauford Delaney, Auto Portrait, 1965, © Estate of Beauford Delaney.

While Delaney integrated African American influences, such as jazz, into his art, he wasn’t inclined to participate in the socio-political debates or “Negro art” discussions of the time. Nevertheless, he took pride in black achievement and actively exhibited his work in black artists’ exhibitions. In 1953, at the age of 52, Delaney made a significant move to Paris, where many African-American artists and writers sought greater creative freedom. This shift marked a transformation in his style, transitioning from figurative compositions of New York life to abstract expressionism, emphasizing color and light.

His work has been showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, solidifying his legacy as a remarkable artist. Beauford Delaney died in Paris at St. Anne’s on March 26, 1979. In 1985 James Baldwin described the impact of Delaney on his life, saying he was “the first living proof, for me, that a black man could be an artist.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Fallen Through The Cracks – Cliff Joseph

Willie Middlebrook

#FallenThroughTheCracks –  Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. was born on August 11, 1957, in Detroit, MI. He was a photographer and artist, and an ardent advocate for the African-American community in Los Angeles. Throughout his illustrious career, this remarkable artist garnered numerous accolades and left an indelible mark on the world of photography in Los Angeles and beyond.

Educationally endowed, he possessed an Associate of Arts degree in Art/Photography from Compton Community College and a Certificate in Design from the Communicative Arts Academy. His legacy extended beyond his artistry as he became an influential figure in the classroom, teaching at renowned institutions like the Watts Towers Arts Center and California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, he served on the advisory committee for the Photography Department at his alma mater, Compton Community College.

Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.

As a fine artist, he is celebrated for his portraits of African-American individuals and communities in the greater Los Angeles area, always depicted with dignity and respect. His innovative photographic printing techniques, marked by thickly applied photographic emulsion in a dripping fashion, layered upon surfaces and meticulously exposed to create unique prints, became a hallmark of his work. His journey was punctuated by more than two decades of awards and recognition, including the City of Los Angeles Individual Artist Fellowship grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs in 2009, commendations from the Los Angeles City Council, and the distinguished title of “Hometown Hero” bestowed upon him by the City of Compton.

His journey was paved with recognition and honors, including two prestigious Visual Artist Fellowships in photography from the National Endowment for the Arts. His artistic prowess extended to public commissions, with notable contributions to iconic structures like the Los Angeles Metro Expo/Crenshaw Station. His lens also captured history as a photographer for Time Magazine, with his poignant images of the African-American struggle in Los Angeles finding a global audience, primarily in European editions. Major museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and LACMA quickly recognized the profound significance of his work, eagerly adding his creations to their collections. Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. died on May 5, 2012, in Los Angeles, CA.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

Fallen Through The Cracks – Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph was born between 1892 and 1900 in rural Alabama. She was a textile artist and one of the esteemed quilters of the Gee’s Bend Quilters collective, a group of African-American women who gained international recognition for their unique quilting style and craftsmanship. Her mother passed away when she was a young child. She had one sibling, Timothy, who sang in gospel choirs in the neighboring town of Camden, Alabama.

She comes from a community with a rich quilting heritage and her skills have been passed down through generations. Annie married Jacob Bendolph and raised 16 children many of whom became prominent quilters including Bettie Bendolph Seltzer. Many families often had their distinct styles, patterns, and designs. Bendolph’s quilts were made exclusively of utilitarian, recycled materials, such as old clothes and empty sacks.

Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph, Photo by Arthur Rothstein, 1937.
Pettway Family Group, Photo by Arthur Rothstein, 1937.

Bendolph employed an improvisational approach to quilt-making piecing together various fabric scraps without relying on predetermined templates. The quilts contain vibrant color palettes which contribute to the impact and energy of her works. Exercising a departure from classical quilt making, adopting a more minimalist quality influenced by the isolation of her location and materials available. She has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the quilting tradition of Gee’s Bend. Her work is included in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph passed away in 1981.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Robert Hamilton Blackburn

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Robert Hamilton Blackburn

Fallen Through The Cracks – Robert Hamilton Blackburn

Robert Hamilton Blackburn

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Robert Hamilton Blackburn was born on December 12, 1920, in Summit, New Jersey, but grew up in Harlem, where his family moved when he was seven years old. He was an artist, teacher, and master printmaker. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where he worked on the literary magazine The Magpie as a writer and artist alongside his counterpart James Baldwin.

Blackburn studied lithography and other printmaking techniques with Riva Helfond, who taught him how to operate the press. He worked at the Uptown Community Workshop, a gathering place for black artists and writers which allowed him to meet artists such as Romare Bearden, Aaron Douglas, and Jacob Lawrence. Blackburn attended the Art Students League and won a School Arts League Award and an Art Students League Working Scholarship for further study. 

Blackburn working with Robert Rauschenberg, 1962. Image courtesy of the Rauscheburg Foundation.
Robert Blackburn teaching in a workshop. Courtesy of the Estate of Robert Hamilton Blackburn. ©

In 1947, Robert Blackburn established the Printmaking Workshop, an 8,000-square-foot (740 m2) loft at 114 West 17th Street in New York City. The workshop’s program included classes, an open studio area, and print shops where artists could experiment with different techniques. In 1971, Blackburn established a board of trustees and incorporated the Printmaking Workshop as a nonprofit. 

The Workshop has amassed a comprehensive collection of artists’ prints and by 1997, over 2,500 of these works had been deposited with the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. Smaller selections of prints have been placed with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and El Museo Del Barrio in New York City.

In 1987, he received the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture Award and received a MacArthur fellowship in 1992. The Printmaking Workshop received a Governor’s Art Award from the New York State Council on the Arts in 1988. Robert Blackburn died on April 21, 2003 (aged 82) in New York City, New York.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)