What is Black Art?
Black art to me is something that cannot be defined by anyone. In the beginning, I thought black art was anything that included black people but now I feel as though it can be anything influenced by black people even if it is created by non-blacks. Black art is a forever moving force that will continue to grow and prosper.
Courtney
Black art to me is defined as a narrative told from the view of the oppressed. It is a way for the black community to cope with pain and an avenue to release their pain. The one thing art allows individuals to do is to freely express themselves. Even the most intimate and important aspects of life can be shared through art. Black culture for the longest time has been shamed and bashed. These African American artists have created a new light in the eyes of black art. They are the only ones who can tell their story and express the pain and emotional trauma caused by the history of constant oppression. To me, black art is a rebirth of creativity and a start over to gain power back from the oppressors. Through creative expression, they are able to assert their power again. The black community has been uplifted by black art. There is no other art that tells the story of pain and overturning obstacles and thanks to these artists, the African American culture has found a way to reassert themselves back into society and regain their status.
Johnny
Black art is art that represents black culture. Black art can include artwork, dance, music, and cinema. These different pieces of art are considered to be black art irrespective of who directs, writes, sings, acts, or draws. If the art is meant to reflect on black culture, then it is considered black art. People who are not African or African American can create an art piece that can be categorized as black art. It is only not considered black art when it is not trying to reflect on the culture. A movie that has a majority of African American actors in it does not necessarily qualify as black art. If it is not reflecting black culture, then it is just another form of art. Just as the Egyptians' artwork reflected their culture, black art must reflect black culture. The purpose of black art in all forms is our personal reflection on our heritage and culture.
Joye
Black art can be in the form of music, writing, videos, photography, paintings, and drawings.No matter the form, the art must represent the culture honestly. It must not perpetuate systematic stereotypes and must include black people. Black art does not have to be created by a black artist but it must involve elements that uplift and further black culture.
Kelvin
Black art is a piece of art created by someone of the African American race that either promotes or brings awareness of black culture.
Lucia
Black art is a constructive or critical expression of the black experience--past, present, or future--by black artists.
Thelma
Black art to me is defined as a narrative told from the viewpoint of black people. It is a way for the black community to cope with and release its pain. Art allows individuals to freely express themselves. Even the most intimate and important aspects of life can be shared through art and black art shows the lives of black people. Black art portrays the black culture which has been shamed for the so long yet still stands. African American artists have created a new perspective in art. They are the only ones who can tell their story and express the pain and emotional trauma from their history of constant oppression. The black community and culture have been uplifted by black art. Its story of pain and overcoming obstacles is constantly portrayed in black art.
Ty
Black art is transcendent. Its definition is constantly being challenged and evolves with time. Black art is a work of art on any platform that seeks to positively influence the community of black people.
Nadia
Not everything created by a person of color relates to race, therefore, the black artist and black art do not always coincide. Black artists are simply artists who are black. Content and intent are what determine what art piece is a black art. Black art, however, must relate to the black experience, and its creator must identify as black.