Artistic Achievements of African Artisans Inspired Modern Art

A Colorful Black History Month
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt
Africa Art: Rain King, 20×20″ watercolor on canvas
Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

 

Detail of Tribal Artwork
I recently had the privilege of visiting an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art “Heroic Africans” which highlighted artistic achievements of African artisans. I spent time in the galleries sketching original artifacts. From these sketches I created a series of artworks.
This particular artwork draws inspiration from a sculpture of a king. This beard is braided and the sculpture may have contained his actual hair.
Scanned details of African Painting
Title: Rain King
inspiration: African Hero Series at Metropolitan Museum of Art
Size: 20×20″ Watercolor on CANVAS
Media: archival watercolor technique with varnish, allows this art to be displayed without a frame.
Purchase: click here->African Art
Interior Design by Libby Cameron, photo credit Jonny Valiant, artwork by Miriam Schulman

In a room decorated Sister Parish protégée Libby Cameron combines chocolate browns, silvery grays, acid yellow and a touch of turquoise. This designer knows that a room shouldn’t be too perfect — it should always hold a surprise or two. African art adds the perfect touch that complements the colors and adds global flair.

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0 thoughts on “Artistic Achievements of African Artisans Inspired Modern Art”

  1. I too am honored to have my jewelry featured–I feel like African jewelry is the origin of true design and balance in the decorative world.

    I use my work to bring me a few steps closer to that world, hoping that one day I'll get to see the work in person I so deeply admire.

    celebrate!

    Reply
  2. THANK YOU FOR FEATURING MY GLOBE EARRINGS. WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT AFRICAN ART IS HOW EXPRESSIVE,UNIQUE,& BOLD IT COMES ACROSS TO EVERYONE. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO STAND UP AND TAKE NOTICE.THATS WHAT I SEE WHEN I LOOK AT YOUR PAINTING,ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANKS AGAIN…..

    Reply
  3. I feel honored to be included and to have a pair of my African inspired earrings featured. To be included with such talented fellow artist encourages me. As I evolve in my creations I do find myself at home on my journey to home. Its so comforting to be inspired by my ancestors, my hands and my mind is guided in ways that astonish me most times. In this month of February Black History month I am grateful as with everyday. Sisters and Brothers and all lovers of art seek the tangible in all things…love

    Reply
  4. Congratulations on your work and thanks for including my Dashiki Diva dress. The picture was taken by Alisa Ferris. The model is wearing a traditional Masai collar. Masai use of shapes colours and beads is unique. No two pieces are the same and no piece is completely symmetrical, but it is always balanced…like nature.

    Any time someone takes the time to create from the head and the heart is magical. Great African art has the same purpose as all great art..to fulfill the artist,.to educate, illuminate, to stimulate all the senses, to move the heart.

    Reply
  5. Thank you for featuring my African Print collar on your blog i love working with such beautiful fabric that tells a colourful story. your work is fantastic , From House of Ola x

    Reply
  6. African art transmits vibes that hum stimulation to the very heart of your senses. Through the use of vibrant colors our eyes are perked ; we can hear the echo of dance that chimes within the garments; feel the bold and layered patterns of the fabric and beading; or inhale the scent of a magical place that eminates from the intricacy of the carved wood.

    Experiencing different cultures through art, offers us a better understanding of their passions and their history. An easy way to travel the world…let it move you!

    Reply
  7. First of all thank you so much for featuring one of my fabric creations. I love sewing African fabric and I find that the crazy patchwork quilting is the one endeavor that totally relaxes me.

    My daughter studied in South Africa and brought back all kinds of artsy goodies including a suitcase full of fabrics. That, of course, only incensed my passion.

    Congratulations on your success and your talent. Your work and the composition of your blog are both wonderful.

    I thank you very much and may you continue to be blessed,
    Sandy 🙂

    Reply
  8. I love African art and global design, because the mixing of colors and designs are colorfully captivating and uniquely out of the box.

    The compassion and the love for ones' culture comes out beautifully and creatively as they work their masterpiece.

    Reply
  9. I love African art and global design, because the mixing of colors and designs are colorfully captivating and uniquely out of the box.

    The compassion and the love for ones' culture comes out beautifully and creatively as they work their masterpiece.

    Reply

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Welcome!

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I’m Miriam Schulman, your curator of inspiration.

I inspire art-lovers to reconnect with their creativity and profit from their art. Whether you paint simply for the joy of it or you’re serious about selling your work, and you’re ready to stop putting yourself on the back burner...You're in the right place. I've done it and I can inspire YOU how to do it too.

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