Synopsis Born on June 29, 1886, in Lenox, Massachusetts, James Van Der Zee developed a passion for photography as a youth, and opened up his own Harlem studio in 1916. Van Der Zee became known for his detailed imagery of African-American life, and for capturing celebrities such as Florence Mills and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Following hard financial times, Van Der Zee enjoyed a resurge … Continue reading Profile: James Van Der Zee
Synopsis Faith Ringgold was born in New York City in 1930. While working as an art teacher in public schools, she began a series of paintings called American People, which portrayed the civil rights movement from a female perspective. In the 1970s, she created African-style masks, painted political posters and actively sought the racial integration of the New York art world. During the 1980s, she … Continue reading Profile: Faith Ringgold
Synopsis Born on July 8, 1902, in Giddings, Texas, Gwendolyn Bennett found success as a poet, fiction writer and journalist during the Harlem Renaissance with publications like The Crisis, New Negro and Opportunity. A visual artist as well, she later headed educational programs for the local African-American community. Having also worked in antiques with her second spouse, she died in Pennsylvania on May 30, 1981. … Continue reading Profile: Gwendolyn Bennett
Synopsis Born on January 2, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, artist E. Simms Campbell went on to work for the art studio Triad and a variety of magazines, illustrating a children’s book by Arna Bontemps and Langston Hughes as well. He became a prolific illustrator for Esquire in 1933, remaining with the publication for decades and also helming his own syndicated feature Cuties. He died … Continue reading Profile: E. Simms Campbell
Black Art Story 