This group exhibition showcases work by legendary artists Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, Dumile Feni, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, Samella Lewis, Ruth Waddy, and Charles White; as well as contemporary artists EMONI, Alpha Bruton, Beth Cosetta Rubel, Joha Harrison, Dwight Head, Laurelin Gilmore, Claude Lewis, Keia Kodama, Lee McCormick, Shonna McDaniels, and more.
The Black Artists on Art exhibition series is organized by Unity Lewis, the grandson of the late Dr. Samella Lewis, the artist, historian, author, and educator often referred to as the godmother of Black art. The presentation of Black Artists on Art at the Crocker is the ninth iteration of the series and is unique in its pairing of well-known legends with contemporary and youth artists. The exhibition series takes its name from the "Black Artists on Art" book series, originally published by Dr. Lewis and Ruth Waddy in 1969. It brought attention to the many notable Black artists neglected or overlooked by the mainstream art world.
Black Artists on Art: Past, Present, and Future celebrates legendary and contemporary Black artists and the legacy of the “Black Artists on Art” book series.
"That's Community," Unity Lewis, the exhibition's co-Creator, explains. "When we bring an artist into the show, we bring them into the family. We're all here to help each other grow, whether an artist at the height of their career or an artist just starting out. In presenting our work together, we're having a dialogue. We learn from, enrich, and educate each other and offer the same to the community that experiences the exhibition."
The exhibition is the ninth unique iteration of a series that shares the title of the historic "Black Artists on Art" book. Initially published in 1969 by Dr. Samella Lewis and Ruth G. Waddy, "Black Artists on Art" brought attention to the many notable Black artists who were neglected or overlooked by the mainstream art world.
More than 50 years later, the "Black Artists on Art" book series is foundational to the arts community, acting as a record of the collaborative effort of Black artists throughout the country to unite and discuss their work.
Dr. Lewis' grandson, Unity Lewis, initiated the eponymous exhibition series to continue building community among Black artists, and each exhibition features a unique presentation. The presentation of
Black Artists on Art at the Crocker is the first to take place after Dr. Lewis' passing on May 22, 2022, at the age of 99, and it is unique in its pairing of well-known legends with contemporary and youth artists.
Lewis hopes these exhibitions honor his grandmother's legacy and continue to raise the profile of Black artists, keeping the spirit of her work alive: "My grandmother gave me the history and the resources I need to accurately represent the work and curate these shows. I'm looking forward to presenting this to the Sacramento region. It's important that Crocker is helping us put this exhibition together and acknowledging the value these artists have to the art world."
ABOUT THE CROCKER
The Crocker brings people together and connects them in unexpected ways with art, ideas, each other, and the world around them. Founded as a public/private partnership in 1885, the Crocker features the world’s foremost display of California art and is renowned for its holdings of master drawings and international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker
serves as the primary regional resource for studying and appreciating fine art and offers a diverse spectrum of exhibitions, events, and programs to deepen visitors' understanding of art, including films, concerts, studio classes, lectures, and an array of family activities and children.
More information about exhibits and programs can be found at
crockerart.org.
ABOUT BLACK ARTISTS ON ART
“Black Artists on Art” is a book series by Samella Lewis and Ruth G. Waddy in 1969. The original two volumes featured the works and words of over 150 actively producing artists of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Now, over 50 years later, Black Artists on Art is releasing new volumes of the book highlighting black artists who have redefined what it means to be a black artist while still preserving the traditions of African cultural expression.
Black Artists on Art is currently accepting artist submissions for Volumes 3 & 4 of the book.
