SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
African American Artists
SAAM is home to one of the most significant collections of works by African American artists in the world. Spanning three centuries of creative expression, these works evoke themes that are both universal and specific to the African American experience. Many reflect questions of personal identity, as well as the tremendous social and political change that occurred from the early Republic to the present day, including the Civil War, the Harlem Renaissance, and the civil rights movement. Hear from contemporary artists, curators, scholars, and changemakers as they share insights into these iconic works from SAAM’s collection.
15 mins
Stops
Loïs Mailou Jones, Les Fétiches, 1938
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3:05
James Hampton, The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millenium General Assembly
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2:26
Edmonia Lewis, The Old Arrow Maker
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2:33
May Howard Jackson, Portrait Bust of an African
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2:40
William H. Johnson, Breakdown with Flat Tire
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2:35
Sam Gilliam, Swing, 1969
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2:44
Alma Thomas, Red Azaleas Singing and Dancing Rock and Roll Music
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2:36