Happy Black History Month!
I know it has been a while, but we are trying to secure this degree. However, I am back. I am well. AND I am creating. Cannot promise these will be weekly as they were before, but they will be here periodically if you so feel the desire to read my thoughts. I hope everyone is well despite the recent cold fronts and the current state of the world. I know there has been a lot of madness going on, but I have a little something to share that may lift your spirits.
I hope you all have either gotten a chance to watch or plan to watch the new HBO documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light directed by Sam Pollard. Personally, I believe this film should be more than just a Black History Month special, but an entire series. If you have not seen it or do not know anything about it, stay tuned for a synopsis and rant about how amazing and inspiring it is.
The film is an assemblage of interviews with African American contemporary artists, curators, and scholars (in addition to a few of our white allies in the art world). The focal point. The man whose groundbreaking work is at the heart of this documentary, rightfully so, is the late great David C. Driskell. Driskell was an American artist, scholar, and curator that dedicated his life to establishing African American art as a distinct field of study. A Howard University graduate (we are everywhere!), Driskell taught at his alma mater and in the art departments of Fisk and the University of Maryland.
The film was inspired by the 1976 LACMA exhibition curated by Driskell, called "Two Centuries of Black American Art." This landmark exhibition was the first large-scale survey of African American artists. It included over 200 works from 63 artists dating back from the mid-18th century - the mid- 20th century. The exhibition traveled to major museums in Atlanta, Dallas, and Brooklyn and broke attendance records. Driskell at the time was the head of the art department at Fisk University, the success of this exhibit and advanced history that few people knew existed.
The documentary touches on the impact of that pioneering show, not just at the time but today. Kerry James Marshall, Carrie Mae Weems, Theaster Gates, Amy Sherald, and Kehinde Wiley by sharing their experiences demonstrate the effect Driskell’s exhibit has had on generations of contemporary artists since it debuted.
Black Art discusses the importance of representation in art. It is an acknowledgment of black narratives and aesthetics that have gone overlooked for so long. It is also, in part, a call to action to invest in black artists and to create black-owned/curated collections and continue the work of black institutions such as the Studio Museum and art galleries at HBCUs. It is emphasized in the film just how important it is to properly archive our art history for future generations to come. Today, the visibility of Black artists has grown exponentially. Collectively we have been making some of the most impactful and relevant works of the past several decades. It is clear by documentaries such as this one that we have come a long way though we still have a ways to go.
Black Art: In the Absence of Light is now streaming on HBO Max through March 17. There is also a fascinating interactive element for educators to involve their classes in as well. Educators can download a coinciding curriculum with research tools and discussion prompts, in addition to another filled with activities designed to spur creativity. I got to take a look at this as well and it is a pretty comprehensive lesson plan that I think is a great resource for educators. It is an interactive art history lesson. Considering that before recent years there was little to no recognition or engagement with black art at all outside of our community what HBO has done is very important.
I believe there are so many more stories about black art and black artists that need to be told. This documentary was lovely, but it is only the beginning. There is so much more that can be done to acknowledge the contributions of black artists. I think, however, that the misconception is that this acknowledgment need only come from white institutions. Yes, we have had to work in the margins for a long time and are only gaining the spotlight now...but that has never deterred us. In fact, it has probably produced some of our most powerful works. Do not get me wrong! We obviously want to be free from this oppressive cycle of being undervalued, unappreciated, and blatantly disrespected...but does that, in turn, mean we must only create to be in that spotlight?
A thought-provoking point was raised by artist Theaster Gates in the film. He said that “Black art means that sometimes I'm making when no one’s looking, for the most part, that has been the truth of our lives. Until we own the light, I’m not happy. Until we’re in our own houses of exhibitions, of discovery, of research, until we’ve figured out a way to be masters of the world, I’d rather work in darkness. I don’t want to work only when the light comes on. My fear is that we’re being trained and conditioned to only make if there’s a light, and that makes us codependent upon a thing we don’t control. Are you willing,” he asks his fellow artists, “to make in the absence of light?”
The documentary did demand respect from gatekeepers and white institutions, but it also demands we continue to be a support system for ourselves. Those of us with the means should continue to help solidify a future for black artists.
Regardless of the path, we take to get there this film was essentially a statement that the history of black art is vast, and the future of black art is bright.
Having watched this film, I just want to say thank you to our artistic legends here with us now and those that have passed. Thank you especially to David Driskell for everything he has done to pave the way for this generation to create freely and honestly. There is hope because of him. There is a future for us because of him. Our future successes are as much his as they are our own.
Thanks for reading,
Eleven0six
P.S. Let me know your thoughts on the film if you’ve seen it! I cannot and will not stop talking about it. EVER.
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