Choose TWO visual artists you learned about in this unit and describe how the contributions they made relate to Black self-identity. Then choose one contemporary artist (of any medium) that you follow. How do they express their self-identity through art? Are there any similarities between how they express their identity and how the Black artists you discussed explored identity in their works?

Answer 1

Two influential visual artists who have made significant contributions to the exploration of Black self-identity are Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kerry James Marshall.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a prominent figure in the art world during the late 1970s and 1980s. His work often combined graffiti elements with powerful iconography and social commentary, reflecting his experiences as a Black man in America. Basquiat’s use of words, symbols, and striking imagery challenged societal norms and stereotypes about race, identity, and power dynamics. His art can be seen as a form of reclamation, where he asserts his identity and critiques the commodification of black culture, highlighting the struggle and resilience of Black identity. For Basquiat, the canvas became a space to explore concepts of heritage, race, and individuality, often using his own experiences as a lens through which to address broader issues of inequality and identity in society.

Kerry James Marshall is another significant artist whose contributions relate deeply to Black self-identity. His paintings often depict the Black experience in America and emphasize the importance of representation in art. Marshall uses his work to confront the historical absence of Black figures in art history, creating vibrant scenes that celebrate African American culture and community. His focus on mundane, everyday experiences and his exploration of Black history through carefully crafted narratives affirm the richness of Black life and identity. By centering his subjects in ways that are often overlooked or marginalized, Marshall’s work serves to amplify Black voices and experiences, making a powerful statement about self-identity and agency.

For my contemporary artist, I follow Tschabalala Self, whose work vividly expresses her identity as a Black woman. Through vibrant colors and dynamic forms, Self's mixed-media pieces often explore themes of race, gender, sexuality, and the complexities of identity. She combines painting, embroidery, and printmaking to create bold, expressive figures that challenge conventional notions of beauty and femininity. Her work celebrates the multidimensionality of Black identity and emphasizes the narratives that often go unheard.

The similarities between Tschabalala Self's expressions of identity and those of Basquiat and Marshall are noteworthy. Like Basquiat, Self uses a combination of personal and societal themes in her work to challenge stereotypes and provoke dialogue around race and identity. Similarly, she echoes Marshall's focus on representation and the importance of celebrating Black experiences. All three artists utilize their platforms to affirm and reclaim Black identity, though they do so through distinct styles and mediums, reflecting both their personal backgrounds and broader cultural narratives. Each artist’s exploration invites viewers to engage with and reconsider their perceptions of race, identity, and culture.