Blog: Black Portraiture (April 2024) 

To be able to see a representation of oneself is empowering. To see representation in an institution that is dedicated to displaying and preserving artistically and culturally significant objects is affirming.

For years it was rare to see portraits of Black people in museums, galleries, and arts organizations. Historically, these institutions did not make a concerted effort to collect work by black artists, or portraits of Black people. The depictions that were collected typically placed black people in the role of slaves or servants. Not until the late 1800s with the advent of photography and the increasing availability of portraiture, did we begin to see a growing number of depictions of Black individuals. And not until the beginning of the 21st century did institutions begin to seriously address this inequity by acquiring more work by Black artists and portraits.

How can institutions that have a responsibility to display and preserve our collective past and present, continue to rectify the imbalance of black portraiture in collections? We must take an active role in collecting the Black image, supporting Black artists, and embracing black culture and identity.

Read the full blog here.