200 Years of African American Art

Happy African American History Month, everyone!  (Er, at least for the next four days.)  Looking for a way to celebrate?  The Philadelphia Museum of Art currently has an exhibition on display called Represent: 200 Years of African American Art.  It highlights selections from the museum’s exceptional holdings of African American art and celebrates the publication of a catalogue examining the breadth of these noteworthy collections. From compelling stories to innovative methods, Represent explores the evolving ways in which African American artists have expressed personal, political, and racial identity.

Take a look at some of the pieces on display:

This beautiful charcoal sketch is Martin Luther King, Jr., a 1981 piece by John Woodrow Wilson.  It’s so like a Greek bust, isn’t it?  Quiet and powerful.  The shading is magnificent.

This is the Connor by L.A.M.B.  I love how the ombre on the translucent 5.25-inch wedge echoes the shading in the sketch.  I love the strong lines echo the strength in the sketch.  It’s a power shoe, all right!  Yours for $259 from Heels.com.

This gorgeous color explosion is Present Futures, a 2006 painting by Moe Brooker—who’s a local, by the way!  Known for his lyrical abstract paintings, Brooker employs a palette of bright, electric colors.

The Nala by Steve Madden has the same bright splotches, same free spirit—and a 5.25-inch heel to boot!  (The hidden 1.5-inch platform helps with the walking part.)  So beautiful for spring, right?  Find them at DSW for $60.

I think Henry Ossawa Tanner’s 1898 version of The Annunciation is the most breathtaking version I’ve ever seen.  The quietness and curiosity of Mary.  Her plain room.  The heavenly visitor, which is kind of terrifying in its simplicity.  I adore this.

The Espadrille Sandal by Tory Burch pulls out the stripes from Mary’s room, the simple warm colors, the handmade materials.  It could be on the foot of a woman in an ancient marketplace, but in fact you can get them at Nordstrom for $135.

Represent is on display through April 5.  Go!  Experience!  Enjoy!