Thoughts on Black Art: In the Absence of Light
I was eagerly awaiting the recent HBO documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light directed by Sam Pollard. It premiered on February 9th and I was able to view it On Demand a few days later. I purposefully did not read any reviews so I wouldn’t go into it with other peoples’ interpretations. What I have are thoughts and responses not a critique or review; presented in no particular order:
Preface: I find it a bit annoying and cliché that this documentary, and anything pro-Black comes out during Black History Month. There are eleven other months to choose from. And at the same time, I’m appreciative that this history of Black art is being told in the artists own voices. I wish it was on PBS or another more accessible outlet.
Do we have the capacity to be great makers in the absence of light? Until we own the light, I’m not happy…
-Theaster Gates
David Driskell (June 7, 1931 – April 1, 2020) was a trailblazer. I knew about the groundbreaking exhibition Two Centuries of Black American Art from the catalog I referenced in a research project in college. Like Black curators today, historically excluded artists are brought to light through their visionary exhibitions. I’m grateful his image and thoughts were captured before he passed away.
Black artist or just ARTIST/ Black art or just ART? I don’t engage in this debate as I am not an artist or maker. I’m leaving this thought here. Discuss amongst the comments.
Exhibitions don’t always translate into acquisitions. A point stated by Valerie Cassel Oliver, Curator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This is so true. Mainstream museums have a lot of work to make their collections more equitable and inclusive. Exhibitions are temporary. Acquisitions support the artist financially and signal a permanent commitment to caring for and displaying their work.
Importance of Black collectors. Those highlighted were rich and famous, like Swizz Beatz’s Dean Collection. I wished more airtime was given to those other lesser known Black collectors, dealers and Black-owned galleries.
Sexism in the Spiral Group artists collective. Faith Ringgold made a point to make it known that Spiral excluded her. It was a men’s club and Emma Amos (March 16, 1937 – May 20, 2020) was the only female member. More on Emma Amos in another post.
The Studio Museum is so necessary, as are other culturally specific museums. It provides Black artists the exposure and community they deserve. My summer interning in the curatorial department was the best summer of my life! It countered my previous experiences at predominantly White museums and significantly shaped the professional I am today. Harlem is a special place and cannot wait to revisit once The Studio Museum’s new building reopens.
Lack of Black leadership in museums. This point was loud and clear in light of the recent job posting foolishness at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. I don’t want to give space for it on my platform so read more here. I do, however want to share the following article I found revealing:
The Culture Costs of No Black Leaders by Camille Lloyd
Every decade there is a surge in popularity of Black art, artists and creative production. I hope this time will be different. I’m tired of the ebbs and flows. Blackness isn’t a trend. It’s our life. We make exceptional art and are more than worthy of inclusion in every cultural institution. Get into it!
