Art is an expansive medium used to express one’s innermost emotions and sentiments. Whether you’re making art or consuming it, paintings have the ability to make you think, feel and deepen. Works of art made from the soul can convey sadness, hope or allow one to peer into new cultures.
From history’s greatest to new prodigies, these seven Black female artists not only enrich the art world with their unique perspectives and styles, but also challenge and expand the narratives surrounding Black identity and culture.
Clementine Hunter
Clementine Hunter is a self-taught artist whose work captures the life and culture of African American communities in the rural South. Known for her vibrant, folk-art style, Hunter painted scenes of daily life on Melrose Plantation in Louisiana. Her distinctive use of color and storytelling through imagery provides a window into her heritage and experiences, making her a crucial figure in the narrative of Southern art and folk traditions.
Alma Thomas
As the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Alma Thomas was a pioneering Black painter. Her vibrant abstract works, characterized by bold colors and geometric patterns, reflect her joy and appreciation for nature. Thomas’ contributions are significant not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for breaking barriers in a predominantly male and white art world.
Lina Iris Viktor
Lina Iris Viktor is known for her signature gold-infused paintings that explore themes of identity, heritage, and the African diaspora. Using rich materials and intricate designs, her work often incorporates motifs inspired by African culture and symbolism. Viktor’s art challenges conventional representations of Black bodies. She offers a fresh, powerful narrative that merges contemporary art with historical context, making her a significant voice in modern art.
Pauline Powell Burns
Pauline Powell Burns was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for her expressive portraits that celebrate Black identity and beauty. Her work often features vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, reflecting the energy and spirit of her subjects. Burns’ contributions lie in her ability to elevate Black narratives through portraiture, capturing the dignity and individuality of her community during a time of social upheaval.
Amy Sherald
Amy Sherald is celebrated for her distinctive portraiture that challenges traditional representations of African Americans. Known for her striking use of color and unique approach to skin tones, Sherald gained national attention for her official portrait of Michelle Obama. Her work often addresses themes of identity, race, and the complexities of contemporary Black life. An artist still on the rise, Sherald pushes boundaries and invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of race and representation.
Jewel Ham
Jewel Ham is an emerging artist known for her vivid, layered paintings. They explore themes of memory, culture and the Black experience. Through her use of mixed media, Ham’s work often reflects the complexity of identity and collective history. Her contributions are unique for their emphasis on tactile, immersive experiences that invite onlookers to engage with the emotional depth of her narratives.
Asuka Anastacia Ogawa
Asuka Anastacia Ogawa is an artist whose work fuses cultural influences from her Japanese and Black background. This allows her to create a rich dialogue between identities. Her paintings often feature themes of resilience and connection, using intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Ogawa’s contributions to art are significant for their exploration of intersectionality and the nuances of identity. Ogawa offers a fresh perspective on contemporary issues through her innovative visual language.