The Philadelphia Museum of Art has collected over 75 important pieces of artwork from African American artists that explore a wide range of themes, mediums, and societal commentary for their new Represent: 200 Years of African American Art exhibition. According to the museum, their collection of African American art has been growing steadily ever since they acquired Henry Ossawa Tanner's The Annunciation in 1899, enabling them to finally open this showcase, which will run until April 5.
Aside from Tanner, other famous names like Horace Pippin, Jacob Lawrence, and Carrie Mae Weems are included in the roundup of influential artists. "From compelling stories to innovative methods, Represent explores the evolving ways in which African American artists have expressed personal, political, and racial identity," says the museum. Starting with pieces created in the 1800s by the free and enslaved, the exhibition features pottery, modernistic paintings, charcoal portraits, limestone sculptures, and striking photography from the Harlem Renaissance.
