Synopsis Lorna Simpson’s signature technique is photo-text, which involves including brief passages of text superimposed on her photographs, introducing new levels of meaning to the images. Simpson’s photography typically explores the perception of African American women in American culture, and in 2007 her work was featured in a 20-year retrospective at the Whitney Museum of Art. Continue reading Profile: Lorna Simpson
Synopsis Born on February 22, 1888, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Horace Pippin created art as a child, though he lost the use of his drawing arm in World War I. He persevered and taught himself to paint with his injury, becoming a MOMA artist acclaimed for his renderings of African-American life along with biblical imagery and historical scenes. Published in magazines as well, Pippin died … Continue reading Profile: Horace Pippin
Synopsis Born on November 30, 1912, in Fort Scott, Kansas, Gordon Parks was a self-taught artist who became the first African-American photographer for Life and Vogue magazines. He also pursued movie directing and screenwriting, working at the helm of the films The Learning Tree, based on a novel he wrote, and Shaft. Parks has published several memoirs and retrospectives as well, including A Choice of … Continue reading Profile: Gordon Parks
Synopsis Henry Ossawa Tanner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 1859. As a young man, he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1891, Tanner moved to Paris, and after several exhibits, gained international acclaim—becoming the first African-American painter to receive such attention. “Nicodemus Visiting Jesus” is one of his most famous works. He’s also known for the … Continue reading Profile: Henry Ossawa Tanner
Black Art Story 