Art Talk #5
Black American Voices in Art
Black American Art encompasses a wide range of styles and expressions. Drawing from contemporary and folk traditions, Black artists have explored identity, history, and social justice through various media and techniques. The 20th-century Harlem Renaissance movement profoundly influenced African American identity, cultural expression, and the broader American artistic landscape. Just as Jazz music developed during this period electrified our culture, so did black visual artists by similarly blending their pictorial traditions with European influences into something extraordinary. Artists such as Romare Bearden, known for his mixed-media pieces, were initially characterized by their otherness. However, like jazz music, his work and his compatriots quickly gained popularity and were embraced by all American artists and audiences. Over the years, Black artists, like female artists, have consistently used their work to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and celebrate the beauty and resilience of Black life, uplifting us all and fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience.
About the presenter, alison barrows-young
Alison Barrows-Young is an instructor at the Joyce Dillon Art Program through POAC. She is currently offering classes on Abstract Painting and Printmaking.
With over 40 years of experience teaching in colleges, art schools, and universities, Alison excels at breaking down the artistic thought process. She has a deep understanding of various visual art forms and techniques.
Since completing her formal training, Alison’s diverse career has allowed her to travel, work as an artist, and teach in a variety of settings. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Alison has a strong passion for imparting knowledge about art theory alongside visual expression.
She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Antioch/SVA and a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University. Additionally, she earned a Master of Education from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.
For more information, visit Alison's website: www.barrowsyoung.com.
Schedule
August 22, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
About the art talk series
POAC is proud to present a series of six 90-minute evening lectures that will be offered this summer. These lectures won't be typical. The presenter will dive into diverse topics, from art history and movements to culture, civilization, and the identity of artists. The participants will explore the relevance of various art history movements and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world. Time will be spent delving into the intricate relationship between art and the construction of individual and collective identities.