To experience black art is to see through the eyes of Black people in America and experience the world through their craft. February is a significant time for the Black community to highlight important Black figures, whether from our past or in modern times. 

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “African Americans in the Arts.” Black art, like Black History, is versatile and falls into many different categories. Historically, Black artists have used the creative medium to promote change in their communities or simply express their emotions. 

Among a long line of Black artists, Henry Ossawa Tanner stands out. He is considered to be one of the first prominent Black artist in America and his work displays the hardships of Black men in post-slavery days.

Tanner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1859. He grew up with his mother and father, who was a Methodist Preacher. 

This upbringing ultimately influenced his art and led to his paintings leaning to more religious themes, and focused on Christianity once he decided to become an artist at age eleven. 

Instead of making the religious figures look godlike and grandiose, he brought them closer to home and curated the themes to bring out the humility of daily life. People could use this to forge their own identity within the Christian community and for a connection with God.

Later on in his career, Tanner decided to move to France in order to fulfill his potential as an artist while attempting to avoid the rampant discrimination he faced in America. 

Due to the prejudice he faced as a Black man, his paintings themselves began to dull, reflecting the emotional turmoil he underwent. He didn’t use bright colors, and he changed course and painted less religious things over time. He created art until his death in 1937.

Tanner paved the way for future young artists who followed in his wake. Like many pieces, Tanner’s paintings were a reflection of himself as a black man in America. 

Black Art can give insight into the lives and struggles of black people in America. In one of Tanner’s most popular works, “The Thankful Poor,” a Black man and a little boy are sat praying at a table that gives a very customary and at-home tone. 

 This is a reflection of Tanner’s upbringing and the very traditional values of the black household. This is a prime example of Black art being used to reveal the values and norms of the Black community. 

Black art being highlighted in this year’s Black History Month is important because without Black art people would never be able to see how influential Black history is. 

Art can cause change whether that be in politics or just in the community in general. Considering Black History Month became official in 1976, we must cover all the history of African Americans even before this time. 

One month couldn’t possibly highlight all the triumphs of black people over the years, but it’s definitely a start.