From everything we see, see, and hear, the influence of African American culture influences everything.
This influence has been grossly underestimated, and its blossoming is no surprise.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has chosen this year’s theme for Black History Month as “African Americans and the Arts” to highlight the broader history and lifestyle of African American artists. I chose it.
In my opinion, this is the perfect theme. African American artistic influence is essential to American culture and contributes significantly to today’s society.
I believe that without this rich culture, society as we know it would not be what it is today.
When I hear about the influence of African Americans on art, the first person that comes to my mind is one man: Michael Jackson.
Considered one of the world’s most successful artists, the “King of Pop” was truly a spectacle of his time.
Jackson not only influenced African American art, but also changed the landscape of pop culture and music as a whole. Jackson’s presence is still felt in the music scene.
I remember when I was a child, my father introduced me to the album “Thriller”. It completely changed my perspective on music and my own personal taste. Jackson quickly became my favorite artist of all time.
You can’t imagine the number of people and artists Jackson influenced with his music.
From timeless classics to mesmerizing performances, no matter where you come from, there’s no denying the lasting impact Jackson has had on the world.
Like Jackson, Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist who played a pivotal role in my creative life and ultimately changed the way the art world interpreted art itself.
Basquiat single-handedly transformed the art scene in the 1980s and was a dominant figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement.
Historical African Americans, such as jazz players and sports icons, primarily inspired his art.
Known as a leper, Basquiat never shied away from addressing social issues he witnessed or experienced, such as police brutality and overt racism.
Last year, I had the opportunity to experience his exhibit in Los Angeles. I was completely immersed in his work and was speechless at the fact that I was surrounded by his works that I admire so much.
Although I have only mentioned two great African American artists, countless Black artists within our community have changed the landscape of the world as we see it.
There are always hints of African American culture and art in every song, mural, and artistic performance.