These Black artists listed are just a handful of the plethora of creatives looking to be supported.
Black America is not adequately represented in the job market and when it comes to artists, the situation is no different. Step in to any museum and more likely than not will you see a higher proportion of works created by a white majority. As Andy Warhol once said, “they always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” It’s time to set that intention and support Black artists so that their voices can be amplified.
Jon Henry
Jon Henry is a photographer based in Queens, New York most famously known for his Stranger Fruit series. The images are in response to the repetitive police brutality against black men in America. They are all photos similar to La Pieta by Michaelangelo where Mary is holding Jesus after being taken down from the cross.
INSTAGRAM @whoisdamasterDeun Ivory
Deun Ivory is an empowered Black woman and the founder of the body: a home for love, a movement dedicated to changing the culture of how Black women heal from sexual trauma. Her artistic talents range from photography to illustration and design. Her portraits are absolutely breathtaking and have been featured in Vogue.
INSTAGRAM @deunivorySean Sky
Sean Sky is a Cincinnati based Makeup Artist up and coming on social media. In May of 2019 he took to Twitter and said,
“my number one goal is to leave my mark on this community as a black creative and inspire everyone to express their creativity through their artistry.”
INSTAGRAM @seanskyii The look depicted above is one of the few pride looks he debuted on his instagram for this month. It shows the trauma Sky faced during his coming out journey. “There were countless nights where I cried because I truly thought something was wrong with me. Feeling alone having to figure it out on my own made me crumble and made me feel broken,” he said on his Instagram. His vulnerability and inspiring words meant to encourage his followers to stay strong.
Osaze Akil S.
INSTAGRAM @osaze_akilOsaze Akil Stigler “takes a contemporary view on black divinity, pulling from traditional African cultures, spirituality, and the intersection of blackness and fashion,” as his portfolio states. The 23-year-old Atlanta-based artist classifies himself as a visual artist, urban planner and landscape architect. The new painting of him as seen above commemorates the lives of George Floyd, Atatiana Jefferson, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, all who lost their lives due to police brutality. On June 20, 2020, he was featured on Beyonce’s website as part of the directory of Black owned businesses.
Ce’ Monaye
INSTAGRAM @xmonaye Ce’ Monaye is a Chicago-based artist that creates a lot of abstract work. The 22-year-old mother paints subjects that go much deeper than surface level.
These artists listed are just a handful of the plethora of Black creatives looking to be supported. For additional Black artists this list has been circulating on social media and can provide a start.
