History has defined numerous painters, sculptors and other fine artisans throughout the world. Most primary and secondary (and even some post secondary) art education in the United States is Eurocentric in focus. We learn about artists like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Cezanne, Picasso and Mondrian. Many of the artists I learned about were Americans, such as Pollack, Warhol, Hopper, Wood and O’Keeffe. In retrospect, I realized that the overwhelming majority of my early art education focused on caucasian men. I was oblivious to this fact for many years. That is until a very good friend of mine, an amazing artist in his own right, introduced me to a number of black and hispanic artists. Why does it matter? Why is it so important that I, or for that matter you, be introduced to artists of different cultures and backgrounds? The amazing thing about art is the fact that it transcends time and cultural boundaries. All pieces tell a story. Some stories make political statements, while others give us insight about a particular person, culture or historical event. By studying art from people of different backgrounds, we are in essence, obtaining a more well-rounded understanding of our world.
Read full article