This episode features the 20th century, American sculptor Augusta Savage whose representations of black people defied racial stereotypes. Her vivid and expressive sculptures of black figures are resonant in both their beauty and humanity. Journey with me through these works and help me amplify the voice of a female artist who pushed beyond the limits of her gender and race.
Images Archive (at archive.org) in association with Prelinger Archives
Highlighted on this episode is the Black artist Jacob Lawrence. He was inspired and mentored by Augusta Savage. Below are two examples of his paintings. On the left, “The Builders (Family),” 1974 (Image Credit: SCAD), and the image on the right, “Dreams #1,” 1965 (Image credit: NBMAA)
Resources for this episode include the writings Bonnie Claudia Harrison, Valerie J. Mercer, and Imani Perry. Smithsonian American Art Museum