"New Car (South Richmond,
Virginia), from the project 'The Negro in Virginia'," Robert
McNeill, 1938. Gelatin silver print from the Smithsonian
American Art Museum.
NEW YORK CITY - The New-York Historical Society will show
"African American Masters: Highlights from the Smithsonian
American Art Museum" through June 1.
No single style or approach can define African American art. The
artists in "African American Masters" reveal a complex mingling
of influences and experiences, including historical events,
political issues, spirituality, music and folklore, as well as
personal vision.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum began acquiring work by
African American artists in the 1960s, some in-depth such as
William H. Johnson and Alma Thomas. This exhibition is a sampling
of these works - not a comprehensive survey of them - selected
from approximately 2,000 artworks by African Americans now in the
Smithsonian's collection that give insight into the story of
America in the Twentieth Century.
The New-York Historical Society, West 77th Street and Central
Park, is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. For information,
212-873-3400.
