Black Artists in America: From the Great Depression to Civil Rights

Discover how midcentury artists like Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Rose Piper, and Charles White creatively tackled the social challenges of their time with vivid expression and bold perspectives.
 
This insightful volume examines the diverse ways Black American artists engaged with the political, social, and economic landscape of the United States from the Great Depression through the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Showcasing paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by influential figures such as Jacob Lawrence, Horace Pippin, Augusta Savage, Charles White, Elizabeth Catlett, Norman Lewis, Walter Augustus Simon, and Loïs Mailou Jones, it highlights their significant contributions to Social Realism and abstraction. The book also explores how these artists debated art’s role in society and community, emphasizing the impact of inclusive government programs like the Works Progress Administration in integrating Black artists into mainstream midcentury art movements.
 
Earnestine Jenkins explores the work of Black artists across three chapters: the artistic contributions during this era, the viewpoint of Black women artists emphasizing Augusta Savage’s sculptures, and the educational approach to Black American art through the creations and teaching methods of Walter Augustus Simon.