Blog #6

Blog prompt for 3/22/11.

No specific question for this blog prompt. Simply respond in some meaningful way to the text and see what connections you can make to things we have talked about in class

“In the 1960s Andrews refused to let curator’s pigeon-hole him as a ‘black artist’ i.e. an artist only interested in African-American subject matter and overt African designs. This limited his access to the mainstream market.” This statement reminds me about the first few days of our course when we discussed the overall theme of identity and claiming a space. Andrews is clearly stating that he is not to only be regarded as a ‘black artist’, which according to the text is an art that, “usually realist style-which stemmed from a strong nationalistic base, and encompassed historical events, heroes, and ideas. It identified the ‘enemy’ using contemporary political and social events, and involved anticipating a better future after the ‘struggle’.” Andrews makes a stand to overcome the claiming of the identity of a ‘black artist’, but then as author Sharon Patton suggests that Andrews was unable to profit a few years later. Because the tide change in 1966 caused black images from African-American artists to be viewed as fashionable.

An artist that is a great example of black art is Vincent Smith, Smith’s most famous piece is the Negotiating Commission for Amnesty (1972). Smith “portrayed a universal humanism in the context of modern black life and culture, expressing his beliefs on social justice.” Page 197 Faith Ringgold was also a popular name mentioned throughout our reading. Ringgold was an extremely big artist and advocate because she “used her art to voice her dissatisfaction with racism and gender inequality, and the absence of the black image and subject-matter in contemporary art. She really helped outside of her art and helped in finding the Women’s Group, Where We At. Her reason for forming this group was from rejection and male dominated group in which she was excluded. It’s enlightening to read about artists that not only produce such inspiring art, but also go out into their community and culture to make a difference. Her story seems similar to the one we watched a movie on and read about Tim Rollins, and his ability to make a difference in lives.