Black Arts Timeline

By omarb710
  • Faith Ringgold, American People Series #20: Die, 1967, oil on canvas, 72 × 168 in., Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Black Arts Movement

    Faith Ringgold, American People Series #20: Die, 1967, oil on canvas, 72 × 168 in., Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Black Arts Movement

    This painting shows racial violence during the 1960s. Its bold colors and chaotic figures reflect the tension of the time. Ringgold used this work to show how racism harms the whole country, connecting directly to Black Arts Movement themes of truth and activism.
  • Faith Ringgold, The Flag Is Bleeding, 1967, oil on canvas, 50 × 60 in., Private Collection, Black Arts Movement

    Faith Ringgold, The Flag Is Bleeding, 1967, oil on canvas, 50 × 60 in., Private Collection, Black Arts Movement

    Ringgold shows a bleeding American flag to symbolize violence and injustice toward Black Americans. The work is bold and direct, matching the movement’s call for political and cultural change.
  • Jacob Lawrence, Builders No. 1, 1968, gouache on paper, 22 × 30 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Black Arts Movement

    Jacob Lawrence, Builders No. 1, 1968, gouache on paper, 22 × 30 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Black Arts Movement

    This piece highlights teamwork and community strength. Lawrence used flat shapes and bright colors to show positive Black identity, a key idea in the Black Arts Movement.
  • Barkley L. Hendricks, Lawdy Mama, 1969, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 53 × 36 in., Whitney Museum of American Art, Black Arts Movement

    Barkley L. Hendricks, Lawdy Mama, 1969, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 53 × 36 in., Whitney Museum of American Art, Black Arts Movement

    This portrait shows a confident Black woman against a golden background. Hendricks’ work celebrates Black beauty and pride central ideas of the Black Arts Movement.
  • Barkley L. Hendricks, Icon for My Man Superman, 1969, oil on canvas, 72 × 48 in., Private Collection, Black Arts Movement

    Barkley L. Hendricks, Icon for My Man Superman, 1969, oil on canvas, 72 × 48 in., Private Collection, Black Arts Movement

    This painting presents a stylish Black man in a bold pose. The strong stance and cool attitude express the movement’s push for positive and powerful images of Black people.
  • Betye Saar, Black Girl’s Window, 1969, mixed media, 35 × 18 × 1.5 in., Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Black Arts Movement

    Betye Saar, Black Girl’s Window, 1969, mixed media, 35 × 18 × 1.5 in., Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Black Arts Movement

    The piece mixes memory, spirituality, and identity. It uses symbols to show the struggles and dreams of Black womanhood, fitting the movement’s focus on personal and political truth.
  • Jacob Lawrence, Confrontation No. 1, 1971, gouache on paper, 22 × 30 in., The Met, Black Arts Movement

    Jacob Lawrence, Confrontation No. 1, 1971, gouache on paper, 22 × 30 in., The Met, Black Arts Movement

    Shows tension between people during civil rights struggles. The style is sharp and powerful, reflecting the movement’s focus on social justice.
  • Betye Saar, The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, 1972, assemblage, 11.75 × 8 × 2.75 in., Berkeley Art Museum, Black Arts Movement

    Betye Saar, The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, 1972, assemblage, 11.75 × 8 × 2.75 in., Berkeley Art Museum, Black Arts Movement

    Saar transforms a racist stereotype into a symbol of strength. The artwork represents Black liberation and resistance, core ideas of the movement.