Black Artists Transport History to the Present

In my recent presentation titled “Black Artists Transport History to the Present” hosted by the Racial Justice Collaborative, I delved into the intersection of art, history, and racial justice through the lens of several of my favorite Black artists. My focus was on how their works challenge, question, and reflect upon racial injustices while connecting deeply with historical events and contemporary societal issues.

Dread Scott: Revolutionary Art to Propel History Forward

I began with the work of Dread Scott, an artist whose approach to art is direct, confrontational and deeply intertwined with historical context. A significant project that I highlighted was the "Slave Rebellion Reenactment," a project that brings historical events into the present consciousness. This massive, participatory art performance reimagined the largest slave rebellion in U.S. history, emphasizing the struggle and agency of enslaved people fighting for freedom. By enlisting hundreds of participants to march through Louisiana, Scott does not just recreate history; he invites us to reexamine the narratives we've been told and recognize the continued struggle for racial justice. His choice to name himself after the historical figure from the Dred Scott decision underlines his commitment to challenging systemic racism through art. In discussing Scott’s work, I aimed to showcase how his performances and installations create a bridge between past and present, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's racial history and its ongoing impact.

Joy Buolamwini: Combating Racial Bias in Technology

Moving on to Joy Buolamwini, I shared her groundbreaking work “AI, Ain’t I a Woman?” (links to YouTube video) that sits at the intersection of art, technology, and racial justice. Buolamwini’s research into the biases within facial recognition technology reveals how these systems fail to accurately recognize dark-skinned faces, particularly those of Black women. Her artistic representations, including spoken word and visual pieces, offer a powerful commentary on the racial biases embedded in technology. Her work underscores the importance of intersectionality in the fight against racial injustice, demonstrating how technology, often perceived as neutral, can perpetuate racial biases and discrimination.

Lorraine O'Grady: Art and the African Diaspora

I then turned the spotlight on Lorraine O'Grady and her photography project "Miscegenated Family Album," which juxtaposes images of her family with those of ancient Egyptian royalty. O’Grady uses this photo installation to explore themes of racial identity, family, and history. Her work challenges viewers to consider the interconnectedness of personal and collective histories, and the complexities of racial identity within the African diaspora. By aligning her personal narrative with that of Nefertiti’s family, O’Grady bridges past and present, personal and universal, prompting us to question our own place within these narratives.

Discussion and Reflections

The discussion after the talk allowed us to reflect on the historical themes presented and the power of art as a medium for racial justice discourse. Participants shared how the artworks and themes resonated with their experiences and understanding of racial issues. This exchange highlighted the importance of art in fostering dialogue, empathy, and understanding across different backgrounds.

The final question I addressed was about my motivation for organizing this talk. My journey into the realm of racial justice has been profoundly shaped by art created by Black artists. Their work has not only educated me about the complexities of racial issues and personal experiences of Blackness but also inspired me to become more actively involved in racial justice advocacy and education. My goal in presenting these artists and their work was to share this transformative experience with others, to highlight the power of art in promoting understanding and change.

Concluding Thoughts

My talk aimed to underscore art's crucial role in addressing racial injustices and fostering dialogue. The artists I discussed—Dread Scott, Joy Buolamwini, and Lorraine O'Grady—use their mediums to confront and explore racial injustices, connecting deeply with historical and contemporary issues. This session was intended not just as an educational experience but as a call to action: to engage more deeply with art as a means of understanding and addressing the complexities of race, identity, and justice. Through this dialogue, I hoped to inspire attendees to explore further the narratives that shape our understanding of racial issues (and whiteness for those of us who identify as white) and to recognize the potent role of art in effecting social change and understanding.

Watch the entire talk and discussion including a slideshow of images below