Tate Modern's 'Soul of a Nation' Surveys African-American Art from 1963-1983
The Tate Modern in London showcased 'Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power,' highlighting African-American art from 1963 to 1983 with contributions from over 65 artists. The exhibition commenced with the Spiral collective's 1963 presentation, which exclusively featured black and white works. Notable pieces included Martin Puryear's 'Self' (1978), photography by Roy DeCarava, and Jack Whitten's 'Homage to Malcolm' (1970). It explored community discussions and regional influences, particularly Chicago's psychedelic scene and the New York gallery Just Above Midtown. The exhibit wrapped up with significant works such as Joe Overstreet's 'We Came from There to Get Here' (1970) and Al Loving's mixed-media creations. In 2018, the show was displayed at the Brooklyn Museum.
Key facts
- Exhibition title: Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power
- Venue: Tate Modern, London
- Dates: 12 July – 22 October 2017
- Featured over 65 artists
- Focused on African-American art from 1963-1983
- Traveled to Brooklyn Museum, New York (14 September 2018 – 3 February 2019)
- Explored the New York collective Spiral, formed in 1963
- Included works by Martin Puryear, Roy DeCarava, Jack Whitten, Ed Clark, Norman Lewis, Romare Bearden, Noah Purifoy, Betye Saar, David Hammons, Joe Overstreet, and Al Loving
Entities
Artists
- Aretha Franklin
- Raymond Saunders
- Martin Puryear
- Roy DeCarava
- Jack Whitten
- Ed Clark
- Frank Bowling
- Norman Lewis
- Romare Bearden
- Noah Purifoy
- Betye Saar
- David Hammons
- Joe Overstreet
- Al Loving
- Amiri Baraka
- Malcolm X
Institutions
- Tate Modern
- Spiral
- Just Above Midtown
- Whitney Museum
- Brooklyn Museum
- ArtReview
- Nation of Islam
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Washington
- Birmingham
- Alabama
- Chicago
- California