Explore Art Like Never Before

White Artists, Black Subjects – An Historical Critique

For centuries white western artists have portrayed people of color as “the other,” which showed black people in positions of servitude, exoticized, objects of humor or sexualization. In the twentieth century, with the birth of the Harlem Renaissance, the first African American-led movement of international modern art elevated artists of color. Today art by self-determined artists of color like Kerry James Marshall, Kehinde Wiley, Amy Sherald and many others portray people of color with first-hand insight. This shift from objectification to self-representation is one of the most consequential dynamics in the history of Western art.

This tour will tackle the complex and subtle ways people of color were portrayed by important white artists in art history. We will contrast them to the Met’s contemporary Black Artists’ portrayals of people of color as beings with agency, history, beauty, pain and full humanity.

Tour times:  Friday, May 29 at 10:30 AM; Friday June 5 at 10:30 AM

Fee is $25 (not including Museum Admission) Reserve your preferred time at metimeatmet@gmail.com

Information on payment method and meeting place will be given shortly after reservation.  Fee is $25 (not including admission to the museum).