Artist critiques racial divides in contemporary art world, calling for fluid definitions of Blackness
An artist and educator contemplates the complexities of race within the art community, drawing insights from their time in Baltimore and New York City. The writer observes ongoing racial tribalism in artistic circles, characterized by exclusive groups and divisions. In the 1990s, curators in New York began to elevate minority artists through exhibitions focused on identity, reshaping museum culture. Nonetheless, the author raises concerns about whether these exhibitions perpetuate divisions, referencing discussions surrounding Barack Obama’s racial identity and Hillary Clinton’s gender. They recount a personal evolution towards embracing racial fluidity and highlight the lack of diversity in art events. Friends in the Black artistic community mention that predominantly white MFA programs often credit their achievements to Black art professionals and affirmative action. The author calls for a broader understanding of Blackness to encourage nuanced representations in art.
Key facts
- The author moved from Baltimore to New York City to study and become a painter and professor.
- In the 1990s, New York curators created exhibitions around racial and sexual identity to transform museum culture.
- The author observes racial tribalization in the art world, with exclusive social-club cultures and divided professional camps.
- Black artist friends describe MFA programs as largely white and attribute successes to black art-professionals and affirmative action.
- The author advocates for detaching Blackness from narrow racial terms to allow more fluid definitions in art.
- Graduate school commodifies race through self-representation that becomes manipulated in the art market.
- The art world is urged to renew racial inclusion by avoiding essentialist exhibitions and eradicating professional divides.
- Examples like debates around Barack Obama's blackness and Hillary Clinton's femininity illustrate broader identity issues.
Entities
Artists
- Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Barack Obama
- Hillary Clinton
Locations
- Baltimore
- New York City