Right now, we are living in a very exciting time for art. A group of amazing scontemporary african american artists is creating some of the most important and talked-about work in the world. These are contemporary African American artists. “Contemporary” simply means they are creating art today.
This article is your friendly guide to these incredible scontemporary african american artists. We will learn who they are, why their art matters, and how you can start enjoying it. You don’t need to be an art expert to appreciate their powerful work!
What Does “Contemporary African American Art” Mean?
Let’s break it down. This term describes art made by Black American artists from the late 20th century to today. But it’s more than just a label. This art often explores important ideas like:
- Identity: What it means to be Black in America today.
- History: Honoring the past while looking toward the future.
- Community: Celebrating family, friends, and neighborhoods.
- Justice: Speaking out for fairness and equality.
These scontemporary african american artists use everything from painting and sculpture to photography, video, and even performance to share their stories. Their work is not one single style—it is as diverse and vibrant as the artists themselves.
Why is This Art So Important Right Now?
For a long time, many museums and galleries mostly featured art by white men. The stories and experiences of Black artists were often left out. Today, that is changing. People are realizing that these missing stories are essential to understanding American culture.
This isn’t just a feeling; the numbers show it too:
- A 2019 study by Williams College found that while African American artists create 12.5% of all visual art in the U.S., their work makes up less than 2% of the permanent collections in major American museums. This huge gap is why talking about these scontemporary african american artists is so important.
- The art market has noticed. Auction prices for work by Black American artists have risen dramatically. In 2018, a painting by Kerry James Marshall sold for $21.1 million, a record for a living Black artist at the time, at Sotheby’s.
This shows that people are not only appreciating the cultural value of this art but also its financial value, helping to correct past imbalances.
Meet Some of the Leading Contemporary African American Artists
Here are a few of the most influential scontemporary african american artists shaping the art world today.
1. Amy Sherald
You might know her: She painted the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery.
Her style: Sherald paints people with grayish skin tones against colorful, flat backgrounds. This choice asks us to look beyond skin color and see the humanity and personality of the person.
Why she matters: Her portraits show Black Americans in moments of quiet joy, peace, and everyday life, which is a powerful statement in itself.
2. Kehinde Wiley
You might know him: He painted the official portrait of President Barack Obama. It shows him sitting against a vibrant green background filled with flowers.
His style: Wiley is famous for taking young Black men and women, often from his neighborhood, and painting them in the classic, powerful poses usually used for kings, nobles, and generals in old European paintings.
Why he matters: He “rewrites” art history to include Black people, giving them a place of honor and power that they were denied for centuries. Explore his studio’s work at Kehinde Wiley Studio.
3. Kara Walker
Her style: Walker is famous for her huge black paper cut-out silhouettes stuck directly on walls. From far away, they look like pretty scenes from history. But up close, they show shocking and painful images of slavery and racism.
Why she matters: She forces us to look at the terrible parts of American history that are often ignored. Her art starts tough but important conversations. Learn more about her powerful work at Tate Modern.
4. Kerry James Marshall
His style: Marshall is known for large, powerful paintings that feature deeply Black figures. He puts Black lives at the center of every story he tells, often showing scenes from everyday life, history, and comic books.
Why he matters: His famous quote is, “You can’t be born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1955 and grow up in South Central [Los Angeles] near the Black Panthers headquarters and not feel like you’ve got some kind of social responsibility.” His art fills in the gaps in museum collections by creating a “Black epic.” The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) features his work.
5. Mickalene Thomas
Her style: Thomas creates dazzling, glittering paintings and photographs of Black women. She uses rhinestones, acrylic paint, and bold patterns that remind people of the 1970s.
Why she matters: Her work celebrates Black womanhood, beauty, and power. She shows her subjects as strong, glamorous, and completely in charge. See her portfolio on Artsy.
6. Hank Willis Thomas
His style: Thomas uses photography and sculpture to explore themes of identity, history, and advertising. He often takes images from popular culture and ads and changes them to make us think about how race is portrayed.
Why he matters: He helps us become more aware of the messages we see every day in media and how they can shape our beliefs about race. His projects are featured on his website.
How Can I Start Exploring This Art? You Don’t Need a Museum!
The best part? You can enjoy and support these scontemporary african american artists from your own home.
- Explore Online: Many museums have free online tours and collections. You can visit the websites of places like The Studio Museum in Harlem, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to see their digital archives.
- Follow Artists on Social Media: Many contemporary artists are very active on Instagram (@kerryjamesmarshall, @mickalenethomas, @kehindewiley). It’s a free way to see their new work, their process, and what inspires them.
- Read and Watch: Check out books from your local library or watch documentaries on PBS or Netflix about art and artists.
- Support Local Galleries: Many cities have galleries that feature artists from their community. Visiting an opening is often free and open to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all contemporary African American artists only making art about race?
A: No, not at all. While many explore themes of identity and history, their interests are vast. They make art about love, family, nature, politics, pop culture, and abstract ideas—just like any other group of artists. It’s important not to put them in a single box.
Q: I don’t know much about art history. Will I still understand the work?
A: Absolutely! The most powerful art connects with you on a human level. You might feel a emotion, recognize a story, or simply enjoy the colors and shapes. You don’t need a degree to have a personal reaction to a piece of art. Your feelings and thoughts are valid.
Q: How can I support these artists if I can’t afford to buy their work?
A: Buying art is just one way to support them. You can:
- Follow them on social media and share their work.
- Visit museum exhibitions that feature them.
- Talk about their work with your friends and family.
- Encourage your local schools and libraries to teach about them.
Q: Is this just a temporary trend?
A: While there is well-deserved increased attention right now, African American artists have always been creating vital and important work. The current spotlight is about finally giving them the recognition they have deserved for a long time. Their contributions are a permanent and essential part of American art.
Q: Who are some other names I should know?
A: The list is always growing! Also look for the work of Titus Kaphar, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Theaster Gates, Lorna Simpson, and Jean-Michel Basquiat (who was a superstar of the 1980s). There are so many more brilliant voices to discover. Artnet News is a great resource for finding new artists.
Conclusion: Art is for Everyone
The world of scontemporary african american artists is full of creativity, courage, and powerful storytelling. Their work helps us see the world through different eyes and understand experiences different from our own. This makes our culture richer, stronger, and more beautiful.
Remember, you are invited to this conversation. Art is a gift to be shared, and everyone has a place in appreciating it. So take a look, find an artist you connect with, and see what their art says to you.
About the Author: This article was crafted by a content creator dedicated to making art and culture accessible to everyone. The information is based on extensive research from reputable art institutions, museum publications, and news sources to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. Our goal is to educate and inspire readers to explore the vibrant world of art with confidence. For more general information on art history, you can visit The Art Story.
