Black Lives Matter, Part III

Hi, dear friends -

Given recent events, I want to acknowledge the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery as a space that stands distinctly against systemic racism and all other oppressive dynamics of power. We are a space that exists for every student and every member of our community. The members of the Miossi Gallery Council and I are committed to continuing to facilitate and support contemporary arts programming that features women, artists of color, and other under-represented populations.

Please take care of yourselves and reach out if you need support.

Emma Amos, "Equals," 1992. Acrylic on linen canvas with African fabric borders, 76 × 82 inches. Private collection.

Click here to read the Quarantine Newsletter: Black Lives Matter - Part I

Click here to read the Quarantine Newsletter: Black Lives Matter - Part II

Emma Amos

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Robert Colescott

Tavares Strachan

Toyin Ojih Odutola

Nick Cave

Kehinde Wiley

Tatyana Fazalizadeh

Above are links to websites of, or articles about, black artists whose work you need to know about. Some of them have concurrent activist practices. I am presenting them without commentary because I believe their work speaks for itself. Here is your challenge:

Open up a new web browser
Open up each artist's website and spend at least 5-10 minutes looking at their work
Read the artist statement, if one is included
If there are other media included - videos, press, etc - engage those
If you feel compelled, google their name and find other resources and platforms to engage their work (I have tried to keep this list concise)
Find and follow them on social media
If you have the means, I encourage you to purchase books, prints, other materials directly from the artist
TAKE NOTES on what you are observing
Respond to this email with one thing you learned about systemic racism in our country through engaging these artists' work and one thing you will do in response. I will compile and share.

*DO NOT let this challenge take you away from donating to social justice organizations, checking in on your black friends, writing your senators, police chiefs and other leadership, and educating yourself about your privilege.

**THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST. There are many, many brilliant artists who I have not included here.

For those who have registered - don't forget about our event TOMORROW night with Cara Hagan - Writing to the Bottom of things: A Ritual for the Mind, Body and Soul from 5-7pm. And please let me know if, for whatever reason, you can't make it so I can open the spot up to someone else. As of now, we are fully booked!