Spotlight/Review -- Black Art: In The Absence of Light

What is art? Is it time and effort put into form? Is it words and sounds put into colors? Is it the human experience seen through the eyes of artists? Art is having the ability to choose your own answer. Art is everything and anything you want, from presidential portraits to ceramic toilets under studio lighting. That being said, some art movements prove more important and intricate than others.

After my recent viewing of “Black Art: In The Absence of Light” I was able to reflect on my privilege as a white American and Recognize my struggles as a woman.

It’s no secret that Black Americans were and still are oppressed in our society. It may be surprising to hear how challenging Black artists have it today. The average museum is made up of over 85% men and 15% POC -- 1.5% of the POC are Black individuals. This skewed ratio also applies to art critiques. Now knowing who's ‘in charge’ it’s not hard to believe how many hurdles have to be jumped in order to have your art shown to the public.

David Driskell, art historian and artist, said, “You can't say to an artist,

‘You have the freedom to do whatever you want to, however, you can’t do such-and-such a thing. I won't let you do this. I won't let you do that.’

Either you have the freedom to do it or you don't”

Universities, exhibitions, and art collectors are very important during this time. When it’s hard to get your voice and creation out to the public, you need to find another way. Something as simple as a celebrity showing off your work or a university providing a space and the materials can make a world of difference.

Kasseem Dean, Swiss Beatz, is a great example of this. Him and his wife Alicia Keys are both well known in the media. Dean, a record producer, and Keys, singer-songwriter, together collect and share artwork to the general public. This allows for live present day artists to receive confidence and the recognition that they deserve and need in order to continue their work.

Some prefer supporting artists through putting work into museums. This is preferred by many because it is more likely to be seen by all demographics. Lots of children find inspiration in museums.

“The experience of White America and Black America is very different. Because White America very often will look at this and find entertainment and Black America will look at this and almost cringe at the pain that's being depicted,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College, “and that’s in and of itself, very telling.”

Two artists that stuck out to me in this film were Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald. Wiley painted President Barack Obama’s portrait and Sherald painted First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait. Both remain and will forever remain in the White House. The President and First Lady knew their portraits were going to stand out since they were the first POC elected as President and First Lady. They decided to have them stick out for more reasons than one.

Adding boldness, unique designs, fashion, and creative takes made these portraits different from any presidential portraits created in the past. 

"What I was also struck by, whenever I saw his [Wiley's] portraits..." said President Obama, "was the degree to which they challenged our conventional views of power and privilege."

When viewing traditional artworks, it is more often than not a white individual is portrayed as serenity and power. Wiley's and Sherald's portraits both turn the narrative around and show Black individuals as powerful, calm, and beautiful subjects.