GROUPS
Famous Black Artists
They are the famous African-American artists who have exquisitely shared portrayals of historic events and individuals, cultural perspectives, and the experiences and struggles of minorities through their artwork. Examine our list of pivotal black artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, who helped to bring African-American and Latino experiences into the elite art world through his graffiti works; Augusta Savage, a sculptor and leading artist of the Harlem Renaissance, who experienced racial discrimination by an art program's selection committee; and Kara Walker, who has used paper silhouettes to depict race and gender relations.
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Featured Famous Black Artists
Browse full biographies—and view photo galleries and videos—of some of the world's most admired black artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Augusta Savage, James Van Der Zee, Kara Walker, Simmie Knox and Jacob Lawrence.
See all Famous Black Artists (16)
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James Van Der Zee
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Artists
- Famous Cancerians
- Famous Harlem Renaissance People
James Van Der Zee
Photographer, Musician / 1886 - 1983
James Van Der Zee was a renowned, Harlem-based photographer known for his posed, storied pictures capturing African-American citizenry and celebrity.
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Jean-Michel Basquiat
- In these groups:
- The 27 Club
- Famous Hispanic Artists
- Famous Black Artists
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Painter / 1960 - 1988
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a Neo-Expressionist painter in the 1980s. He is best known for his primitive style and his collaboration with pop artist Andy Warhol.
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Kara Walker
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Artists
- Famous Sagittarians
- Famous Painters
Kara Walker
Painter / 1969 -
Kara Walker is an African-American artist who rose to fame for her use of large paper silhouettes to explore social issues surrounding gender, race and black history.
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Jacob Lawrence
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Artists
- Famous Academics
- Famous Virgoans
Jacob Lawrence
Academic, Painter / 1917 - 2000
Jacob Lawrence was an American painter, and the most widely acclaimed African-American artist of the 20th century. He is best known for his Migration Series.
Black History People
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Black History Groups
Learn more about the lives of African-Americans who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields, with our collection of Black History Groups.
Explore our curated collections of African-American figures, including:
Black History Videos
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Black History Videos
Watch full episodes of Black History icons, record-breakers and leaders. See how famous figures like Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln and Jackie Robinson changed history. See all videos.
Black History Photos
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Black History Photos
Flip through these photos of some of Black History's most important, controversial and inspiring figures. Check out our African-American Firsts - Athletes, Black Comedians, Million-Dollar Ideas, African-American Biopics, African-American Expats, or explore all of our Black History photos.
Classroom
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Black History Timeline
Celebrate the historical icons of America's black community through this interactive journey.

June Carter Cash
Musical Monikers
Justin Bieber
My Ghost Story
I Survived
Babe Ruth
Johnny Cash
Georgia O'Keefe
I Survived




