African American Figurative Art

African Americans have a deep-rooted history in the United States, from the tragedy of slavery to the obtaining equal rights. African American artwork brings the struggles, the victories, and the day to day life of African Americans both present day and over the past two hundred years. From happiness to despair, all emotions can be found in African American paintings.

The beginning of African Americans’ history in America was slavery. Pieces like “Soul’s Flight” and “Soul’s Awakening” bring to light the plight African Americans suffered to become free. They inspire a sense of hope through bright colors. The patterns on the dresses depict old slave quilts, which were patterns to direct escaping slaves to the North. Paired with the flying birds in the background, these African American sketches scream freedom and a sense of liberation.