Art by African Americans: From the Protests of the ‘60s to the Age of Black Lives Matter

At the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement, African American artists were inspired not only to create amazing works, but to agitate for fundamental change in the art world. After being marginalized and ignored for so long, they demanded greater representation of their work in museums, as well as the inclusion of African American scholars and curators in the ranks of museum professionals. 

Join us as we celebrate the rich contributions these pioneers made to American culture and see some of the work by such American masters as Norman Lewis, Charles White, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, Barkley L. Hendricks, Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker, Mickalene Thomas, Kehinde Wiley, Amy Sherald, and Mark Bradford that continues to astonish art lovers today. We will also see some of the riveting public art that blossomed on the streets and architecture of American cities in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.

Presenter Janet Mandel taught in New Jersey’s public schools for 32 years, the last eighteen of which were at Columbia High School in Maplewood, where she taught English, art history, and world languages and cultures. Now retired, Janet presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at adult schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, community centers, and similar venues.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.