Famous African American Artists
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Famous African American artists have led the way in translating their African culture and heritage into magnificent and unforgettable works of art.

Since African American art's early origin in slave communities, this style of work has grown from small drums, quilts and wrought-iron figures to include awe-inspiring pieces in every possible medium.

With similarities to West and Central African art, the African American artist began to develop a following with the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.

First And Foremost

Romare Beardon (1911-1988) was considered one of the most famous African American artists and his artistic reputation probably surpasses that of any other. Born in North Carolina, his family moved to New York City where their home became a regular stop for members of the Harlem Renaissance.

During his lifetime, he produced approximately two thousand works of art, though he is best known for his collages. His creations include paintings, drawings, prints and intricate murals.

All his work reflected his African American heritage in significant and profound terms. His creations are autobiographical as well as metaphorical examples of African American art. Romare Beardon influenced generations of artists with his complex and colorful compositions.

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African American Women Artists

Another of the famous African American artists is Kara Walker who was born in California on November 26th, 1969. She is a contemporary artist who explores issues of race, gender, identity, sexuality and violence with a fierce, non-apologetic style.

Kara Walker's silhouette images touch on American folklore with a twist. In most cases, her work specifically targets gender and identity topics with a spotlight on African American women.

Her particular style reminds us of Andy Warhol's pop art, of whom she was a great admirer growing up. Her work is confrontational, so like Warhol's, and even grotesque at times. Highly respected, she was one of the youngest people to ever receive the MacArthur fellowship.

Merits A Mention And More

There are so many famous African American artists that I couldn't possibly name them all, but Aaron Douglas (1899-1979) certainly deserves a reference. He was a leading artist of the Harlem Renaissance who was born in Topeka, Kansas.

After receiving a BA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he soon moved to New York City where he began his career by producing illustrations. Developing a modernist style, he expressed his African American heritage with work that embraced African American folk culture.

After studying African and Modern European art on a grant and then travelling to Paris, he founded the Art Department at Fisk University where he taught for 29 years. This coincided with a shift to more traditional paintings including portraits and landscapes.

This is just a brief sampling of some of the more memorable African American artists. Feel free to explore even more evocative and intriguing African American art pieces available for purchase for your African American art wall. Enjoy my African art for sale page.

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