“I consider myself an African-American Feminist and environmental artist. My approach to producing art is environmentally and politically infused: neither waste humanity nor the gifts of nature. I am primarily a mixed media sculptor who uses discarded materials. My art draws upon relics from the African Diaspora. The discarded materials represent how people of African … Continue reading Object of the Week – Baby Face →

Seattle-based artist Barbara Earl Thomas weaves order into the chaotic natural world in order to tell stories. Drawing from history, literature, folklore, biblical stories and her surrounding communities, Thomas’ work explores and addresses major contemporary social issues ranging from the violence against black men and youth to gun violence and the climate crisis. Reflecting on … Continue reading Object of the Week – Man Cleaning His Fish II →

Milton Simons was an important Northwest African American artist from the 1940s until his death in 1973. In addition to his skills as a painter, Simons was an educator, poet, dancer, and noted musician/composer. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Simons’ work reflected his varied cultural backgrounds. As a young adult he won a national … Continue reading Object of the Week – Self Portrait (1969) →

“Photography can be used as a powerful weapon toward instituting political and cultural change.” – Carrie Mae Weems   Working at the intersection of art and politics, visual artist Carrie Mae Weems investigates family relationships, cultural identity, sexism, class, political systems, and the consequences of power for over thirty years through a complex body of … Continue reading Object of the Week – Untitled (Woman and Daughter with Make-up) →