Unsung Creators: How Jean-Michel Basquiat, Alma Thomas, Edmonia Lewis, and Kerry James Marshall Left a Lasting Impact
Art has always been a powerful form of expression, a way to communicate beyond words, and throughout history, Black artists have used their creativity to break barriers, challenge norms, and redefine art itself. In this post, we’ll focus on four prominent yet sometimes overlooked Black artists: Alma Thomas, Edmonia Lewis, Kerry James Marshall, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Each, in their own unique way, used art as a vehicle for change and continues to inspire generations today.
Alma Thomas: A Pioneer of Abstract Art
Alma Thomas is often celebrated for her vibrant, colorful abstract paintings, but her journey as an artist was anything but straightforward. Born in 1891, Thomas pursued art later in life, defying societal norms that dictated what Black women could achieve in the early 20th century. Her works, which focus on color, nature, and light, pushed boundaries and gained her the distinction of being the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Though her work influenced countless artists and helped pave the way for women of color in the fine arts, she remains underappreciated in mainstream art circles. Thomas’ work reminds us that creativity knows no age, no race, and no gender, and her contributions to abstract art should be a larger part of the art history conversation.
Edmonia Lewis: Carving a Place in History
In an era when both African Americans and women faced significant obstacles, Edmonia Lewis forged an extraordinary path as a sculptor in the 19th century. She was the first woman of African and Native American descent to gain international recognition in the art world, and her Neoclassical sculptures often centered around themes of emancipation and racial identity.
One of her most celebrated pieces, The Death of Cleopatra, broke with convention by depicting Cleopatra's final moments in an unglorified and realistic manner. Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Edmonia Lewis is rarely mentioned in discussions of sculpture, a testament to the erasure of many Black artists in art history. Her work stands as a symbol of perseverance, talent, and resistance against oppression.
Kerry James Marshall: Painting the Black Experience
Moving into the contemporary art world, Kerry James Marshall is one of the most influential Black painters of our time, yet his name is not always at the forefront. Marshall’s work deliberately centers on the Black experience, filling a gap in art history where Black figures have often been absent or marginalized. His vivid, large-scale paintings depict everyday scenes of Black life in America, from family gatherings to moments of reflection.
By representing Black people in historical contexts typically dominated by white subjects, Marshall is rewriting art history itself. His commitment to creating space for Black representation in fine art is groundbreaking, but despite his critical acclaim, he’s often overlooked compared to his peers. His work challenges not only the art world but society as a whole to reconsider who is seen and who is celebrated.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Neo-Expressionist Visionary
Perhaps the most famous of the artists mentioned, Jean-Michel Basquiat left an undeniable mark on the art world with his raw, frenetic paintings that blended street art with historical and cultural commentary. Emerging from the 1980s New York art scene, Basquiat’s work explored complex themes of identity, race, and the legacy of colonialism, often infused with African American history and symbolism.
Despite his widespread acclaim today, Basquiat was often pigeonholed as a "graffiti artist" during his career, a label that minimized his sophisticated exploration of culture, history, and identity. His rapid rise and early death at the age of 27 left many wondering what more he could have achieved.While his name is now known in popular culture, his contributions as a deeply intellectual artist still lack the academic recognition they deservet.
Conclusion: The stories of Alma Thomas, Edmonia Lewis, Kerry James Marshall, and Jean-Michel Basquiat demonstrate how Black artists have long been at the forefront of cultural and creative revolutions. Yet, even with their immense contributions, they are often left out of the mainstream conversations around art. This post aims to shed light on their work and legacy, reminding us of the importance of recognizing those who helped shape the world of art but whose names have been too easily forgotten.