African-American Art History

Catalog description

This course examines, analyzes and discusses significant styles of painting, sculpture, drawing, printing and other techniques used in the visual arts of African American artists and explores the diversity of form, stylistic and narrative content of works created by African American artists from the antebellum era to the present, including twentieth century developments that include the Harlem Renaissance, philanthropy, Outsider art and the relationship between art and politics. Beginning with the African historical underpinnings, the vital contribution of anonymous artisans and the craft traditions they introduced during the slavery era are examined. The course will provide an understanding of how many of these arts traveled with Africans during the Middle passage and how they contributed to the lives of the slaves, their owners and the community.