WHICH BLACK ART PILL WILL YOU CHOOSE?
By P. Andrews-Keenan
 
What constitutes Black art? Collector and art historian Michael K Butler, MD, MHA, CPE, of Griot Art Gallery and Academy in Miami emphatically states,  “Black artists do Black art period.”  

Black artists, like all artists, do the work that moves them and us; the work that pays their bills; the work that shocks; the work that elevates; the work that confounds, and the work that many times allowed them to enter rooms from which they were barred.   Black artists can do any type of work they choose, and we are all the better for having more of their work, in every form, in the world. 

In December, September Gray Gallery in Atlanta mounted an exhibition during Art Miami at the contemporary art show Red Dot.  While all of the artists were Black, none of the work was representational.  The works by artists  Jamele Wright Sr., Kevin ColeMichael Scoffield, Ato Riberio and Eleanor Neal included textiles, paintings and sculptures which Gray says are a reflection of historical and cultural significance. The gallerist went a step further and added photos of the artists alongside their work.  The show was beautiful, radical in its simplicity and expertly curated, kudos September.  Gray’s tip:  Don’t sleep on Neal’s work.

Pigment International’s list of exhibitions to see in 2023 included Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina.  This exhibit has opened our eyes to the legacy of Black potters and here in Chicago we are fortunate to have a legacy in clay handed down from Sapphire & Crystals co-founder and ancestor Marva Jolly that continues with artist Juarez Hawkins.  We must open ourselves to all these manifestations of Black art.   Of note, a group of local experts called into question missing or misrepresented historical evidence regarding the Potters of Old Edgefield in a recent editorial. 

Collectives like the Florida Highwaymen found a way to feed their families selling art.  Their iconic Florida landscapes conjure a moment in time and are highly sought after, with prices into the five figures.  The examples are endless.   Dr. Butler offers engraver, watercolorist and  landscape artist Norma Morgan, as an under valued painter.  

So, will you take the Blue Pill and experience just one flavor of Black art or will you take the Red Pill and taste the rainbow?   

Upper right Norman Lewis' 'The Tenement'
Work by Kevin Cole Left and Jamele Wright, Sr.
Jamele Wright, Sr.
Michael Scoffield 
Gallerist September Gray
  
PIGMENT TEAM SAYS 'SALAAM ALYKUM' AS WE HEAD TO 1-54 IN MARRAKESH
Pigment International first met Touria El Glaoui at the 6th edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Show last year in New York held at Harlem Parish, a former church on St. Nicholas Ave.  Next week we will attend the Marrakesh Show opening February 9th. Hello Black History Month.

Glaoui's father, Hassan El Glaoui, was revered as one of Morocco’s greatest artists.  He studied at La Beaux-Arts and exhibited internationally.  The family traveled with him, and she experienced first-hand how exposure and access can impact an artist’s career.  Her father later moved back to Morocco where there was no infrastructure supporting the arts. She says his first show was held under a tent with neither lighting nor air-conditioning.  Yet was a milestone for the country.    Glaoui held the first edition of 1-54 in Morocco in 2018  returns next week in Marrakesh.  

Pigment International met Thandiwe Muri, a photographer born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya in NYC last May and in Miami in December. She is passionate about celebrating and empowering women and her work will be one of the highlights of 1-54.
Pigment International will print its first Black Fine Art Gallery Guide this March to coincide with the release of its fourth magazine.  The aesthetic will be in keeping with our award winning Pigment Magazine and our inaugural cover will feature Waterkolours Fine Art Gallery in Memphis.  Additionally, we will profile the gallery and some of their artists.  We invite your gallery to be included with a photo listing, an artist profile or gallery profile.  Click the image above to order or e-mail us at pigmentintl@gmail.com
Artists on the 9ine continues with our partners Bop Biz and Black Mall

Join us for our Valentine's Day Activation on February 11th.
TO SEE TO HEAR TO READ
DR. MICHAEL BUTLER OF GRIOTS ART GALLERY AND ACADEMY DECIPHERS THE COLLECTING JOURNEY

BLACK ARTISTS CREATE BLACK ART, PERIOD

Dr. Michael Butler is a retired gastrointestinal surgeon and executive director of Griots Art Gallery and Academy, a community-focused initiative located in the Center of Haitian Studies in Miami, FL.
Click above to hear a section from his lecture series titled
Cycle Collection Management--Part 1--Purchasing and Acquisition Decisions
THE NEGRO MOTORIST GREEN BOOK

January 29 - April 23, 2023

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Feb. 1 - April 30
·      Black Art & Culture Expo 2023, February 1 – March 31, Mahogany Gallery, Racine, Wisconsin

Visit Our Artists on the 9ine Collection

"Adam" by photographer Tony Smith is available here and at Artists on the 9ine
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