Black History Month: African- American contributions to Art

"Colored Canvases"

EASTERN SHORE, Md. – Black history, includes art history, and over the years people of color have been portrayed in paintings in various ways and one local artist to get the full picture.

Acknowledging African Artist

“Art is in the eye of the beholder.” A phrase that has been used time and time again. But if one isn’t allowed to present their work, how can it be admired? Or, if one isn’t respected, how will they be depicted? More often than not, there is a problem with how people of color are perceived in paintings.

From the Harlem Renaissance in 1920 until now, African American artwork is still being acknowledged, admired, and honored today. For example, Edmonia Lewis was the first African American and Native American sculptor to have a piece commissioned by then President Ulysses S. Grant in 1876. Or self-taught painter Horace Pippin, who in 1947 became the first Black artist to be the subject of a monograph. And we can’t forget about people like Augusta Savage. No matter who or when it was, African Americans’ contributions to the artistic world are still admired and honored today.

Black Brushstrokes 

“It’s important for us to know our history, and I almost can’t put it in words.” But he can paint a picture. 72-year-old Professional artist Patrick Henry says there weren’t very many images he could look up to as an upcoming and inspiring artist. He was influenced however, by the likes of Charles White and Jacob Lawrence.

And from that, he used his talent to break down some of the stereotypes portraying African Americans in a subservient or distasteful manner with every brush stroke. “I feel as if I looked at art just for painting pretty pictures or this and that, and not to equate the highest aspects of our life that I would be void of this gift, I would be corrupting this gift that was given to me.”

Positive Portraits

Henry says that growing up, he didn’t see many positive portraits of people who looked like him until attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “We’ve had some real tough challenges, throughout our history, especially here in America, but the truth is, we keep evolving onward and upward, I truly believe that, and I have to portray that.”

It’s that mentality that can be seen in Patrick’s exhibit “Reflections on Home” currently on display at The Museum for Eastern Shore Culture at Salisbury University. “It’s let me know how important it is to record our past, recognize our past, and me as an artist, I would feel very lacked if I don’t’ take that mantle and move forward with it.”

Studio on the Shore 

Artist Patrick Henry’s exhibit will be on display until April 11th at the Museum of Eastern Shore Culture at Salisbury University. That’s located on Main Street in downtown Salisbury. If you would like to visit Patrick’s studio- Henry Fine Arts, stop by 9928 Old Ocean City Blvd Ste 15 in Berlin, Maryland or visit them online.