Unsung Voices: Overlooked Black Artists Who Deserve Recognition
This Black History Month, let’s take the time to celebrate the voices that history has too often ignored. Their work is not just part of Black history—it’s part of art history, and it deserves to be seen, studied, and appreciated.
This Black History Month, let’s celebrate some of these lesser-known artists whose work has shaped culture, history, and artistic innovation.
1. William H. Johnson (1901–1970) – A Folk Art Pioneer
William H. Johnson was a painter whose work transitioned from impressionistic landscapes to bold, colorful depictions of Black life in America. His folk-art-inspired style captured everyday scenes, historical figures, and cultural traditions. Despite his talent, Johnson faced financial difficulties and died in obscurity, only for his work to be rediscovered decades later.
Why He Matters:
His vibrant, folk-inspired art celebrated African American life and culture.
He painted historical Black figures, including Harriet Tubman and George Washington Carver.
Today, his work is housed in major institutions like the Smithsonian.
2. Augusta Savage (1892–1962) – A Sculptor Who Broke Barriers
Augusta Savage was a sculptor and educator known for her powerful depictions of Black identity and strength. A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, she created The Harp for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, a stunning work inspired by the song Lift Every Voice and Sing. Despite her talent, many of her sculptures were not preserved, and her contributions to the art world remained largely unrecognized for years.
Why She Matters:
One of the most influential sculptors of the Harlem Renaissance.
A dedicated teacher who mentored many Black artists, including Jacob Lawrence.
Her legacy has only recently gained wider recognition.
3. Eldzier Cortor (1916–2015) – The Painter of Black Femininity
Eldzier Cortor was a painter and printmaker best known for his striking portrayals of Black women. Inspired by African art and the struggles of Black Americans, his work often depicted elongated figures in dreamlike, surreal settings. Despite his incredible talent, Cortor remained largely in the shadows of the art world.
Why He Matters:
One of the first artists to highlight the beauty and strength of Black women in fine art.
His work blended surrealism, African influences, and social realism.
Museums are now beginning to feature his work more prominently.
4. Lois Mailou Jones (1905–1998) – A Bridge Between Cultures
Lois Mailou Jones was a painter whose career spanned more than seven decades. Her work was deeply influenced by African art, Caribbean culture, and the Harlem Renaissance. Despite facing racial discrimination early in her career, she became an internationally recognized artist and a champion for Black representation in art.
Why She Matters:
One of the first Black women to gain international recognition as a fine artist.
Her work explored themes of African heritage, racial identity, and feminism.
She inspired generations of Black artists through her teaching and activism.
5. Henry Clay Anderson (1911–1998) – The Photographer of Everyday Black Life
While many photographers captured the struggles of Black Americans, Henry Clay Anderson focused on joy, success, and community. Operating a photography studio in the Jim Crow South, Anderson documented the lives of middle-class Black families, offering a counter-narrative to the images of oppression that often dominated the media.
Why He Matters:
His work provides a rare glimpse into Black prosperity and everyday life in the segregated South.
His photos challenge stereotypes and show the beauty of Black resilience.
His archive was only rediscovered in the early 2000s, bringing new appreciation to his work.
How to Support and Learn More:
** Visit museums or galleries showcasing Black artists.
** Research and share information about overlooked Black artists.
** Support living Black artists by purchasing their work or attending their exhibitions.
** Encourage schools and institutions to include Black artists in their curriculum.