Via https://blackamericaweb.com/2016/07/01/awesome18-year-old-girls-artwork-featured-in-the-met/
Famous and not so famous African-American artists have actually exquisitely shared portrayals of contemporary and historical events and people, cultural viewpoints, and the experiences and battles of minorities through their art work. This short article highlights the essential work of Black artists who helped to bring African-American experiences into the elite art world. The art catches historic and modern experiences. Some art catches race and gender relations. Black Arts as a motion speaks straight to the requirements and goals of Black America. The Black artist speaks with the spiritual and cultural requirements of Black individuals in their artistry.
The professionals of Black arts are encouraged by a desire to challenge white power structures and assert an African American cultural identity. Black arts aim to serve the neighborhood and artists.
Cliffannie Forrester is going places.
This young, Black female is only 18 and already has a painting hanging in the New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Cliffannie, who just recently graduated high school, was selected from over 1,000 submissions for an exhibit dedicated to the Big Apple’s young people. Cliffannie is one of the 90 winners selected.
Her piece, titled “Uganda,” was inspired by a missionary trip to the country. Cliffannie reflects, “We were going to church and I saw a little girl who was just standing around, admiring everything.”
The teen quickly snapped a photo of the child on her phone. Once Cliffannie returned home, she completed the portrait over the course of a month.
Her art teacher, Maria Jimenez, wrote in the P.S. Art catalog, “Cliffannie wanted her subject to touch viewers, and make them consider that black lives matter and that little girls matter, in any part of the world. Cliffannie’s powerful message was captured in this compelling composition and because of it, we are all transformed.”
In addition, Cliffannie had her painting displayed on a Times Square digital screens once an hour for three minutes for four days straight, along with 23 other winners.
Her piece will be on display at the MET until October 23, 2016.
Congratulations, Cliffannie! Keep rising.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter
Black artists emphasize racial pride, a gratitude of African heritage, and a dedication to produce works that show the culture and experiences of black people. In each age, occasions of the day galvanize black artists to produce, organize, and transform the world.