I expect that the Blog will evolve and change over time, but the focus will always be to highlight new ideas and information that both refer back to BlackPast.org’s content and bring in new voices, information, and sources. The BlackPast.org website contains a fabulous collection of photos, some of which come with minimal information. From time to time, I will post some of those photos and ask your help with any identifying information you may have. I plan to cover art, music, literature, history. This Blog is meant to be informative, not combative. Readers have the option to email information, comments, suggestions to me, but remember to be respectful of other readers and opinions.
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| Frederick C. Flemister, Self-portrait |
Several years ago, I heard a story on NPR about the international art extravaganza in Miami, Art Basel. The year was 2008 and the reporter was commenting on the number of African Americans purchasing art by African Americans and what a new, big trend this was. One of the artists featured prominently was Frederick C. Flemister: I was captivated by the self-portrait shown left and went hunting for more information about him. There is very little available. Two website entries have minimal information. I have also been able to only come across one other painting by him: Man with a Brush (below right).
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| Frederick C. Flemister, Man with a Brush |
The Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, WA has an exhibit of African American Quilts from the collection of Corrine Riley: any visitors to the Seattle area between now and October 2012 should be sure to plan a visit. Over the last several years, the Greg Kucera Gallery in Seattle has displayed the famous quilts of Gees Bend, Alabama: these women have created stunning works, both abstract in design and traditional. At the link above, be to scroll down passed the quilts to read the copy about this community. As you look at these quilts, also check out the website of The Textile Museum in Washington, D.C. They had a recent exhibit on Kuba Textiles and the Woven Art of Central Africa. There are many interesting ideas to explore in looking at similarities in design concepts between the quilts and the various woven textiles. The catalogue that accompanied the exhibit is well worth purchasing.
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| Kuba Cloth |