David C. Driskell was an American artist, scholar and curator; recognized for his work in establishing African-American Art as a distinct field of study. In his lifetime, Driskell was cited as one of the world's leading authorities on the subject of African-American Art. Driskell held the title of Distinguished University Professor of Art, Emeritus, at the University of Maryland, College Park. The David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, is named in his honor.
David Driskell
Woman with Flowers by David Driskell, 1972
The University of Maryland, College Park Art Gallery celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 24, 2016, with a memorable art exhibition. Among those attending were President Wallace Loh and his wife, Barbara, on the left; and Prof. David C. Driskell, along with Prof. Dagmar R. Henney, on the right. Photo courtesy University of Maryland Art Gallery, used with permission.
Current Forms: Yoruba Circle (1969) at the National Gallery of Art's showing of Afro-Atlantic Histories in Washington, D.C., in 2022
African-American art is a broad term describing visual art created by African Americans. The range of art they have created, and are continuing to create, over more than two centuries is as varied as the artists themselves. Some have drawn on cultural traditions in Africa, and other parts of the world, for inspiration. Others have found inspiration in traditional African-American plastic art forms, including basket weaving, pottery, quilting, woodcarving and painting, all of which are sometimes classified as "handicrafts" or "folk art".
Edmonia Lewis was commissioned to do President Grant's portrait, c. 1870.
Augusta Savage with Realization, her WPA Federal Art Project, 1938.
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller was Rodin's protegee, 1910.
Engraving of a chained female slave by Patrick H. Reason, 1835. Often circulated with the caption "Am I not a woman and a sister?"