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Images courtesy The Narrative Matters

Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985: A Cultural Revolution at the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition, Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985, from September 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This first-of-its-kind showcase explores the transformative role of photography in the Black Arts Movement, a cultural and aesthetic revolution that paralleled the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring over 150 works by more than 100 artists, the exhibition celebrates Black history, identity, and beauty while highlighting photography’s power as a tool for activism and self-representation.

The Black Arts Movement: A Cultural Renaissance

The Black Arts Movement, often referred to as the “aesthetic and spiritual sister” of the Civil Rights Movement, emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a collective effort by poets, playwrights, musicians, and visual artists to reclaim and celebrate Black identity. Photography became a central medium, capturing the essence of Black life, resistance, and joy. This exhibition at the National Gallery of Art delves into how photographers like Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, and Roy DeCarava used their lenses to document pivotal moments and everyday life, creating a visual language that resonated with the movement’s themes of empowerment and community.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Icons and Everyday Heroes

The exhibition features iconic images of cultural and political figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nina Simone, and Angela Davis. These photographs not only document history but also humanize the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, offering intimate glimpses into their lives.

Themes of Empowerment and Beauty

From Kwame Brathwaite’s “Black is Beautiful” campaign to Ming Smith’s ethereal portraits, the exhibition celebrates the diversity and richness of Black identity. It also explores the role of beauty salons and barbershops as community hubs, as seen in works by Doris Derby and others.

Global Connections

The Black Arts Movement was not confined to the United States. The exhibition includes works from the African diaspora, showcasing the global exchange of ideas that enriched the movement. Artists from the Caribbean, Africa, and Great Britain contribute to this narrative, emphasizing the universal struggle for justice and equality.

Why This Exhibition Matters

This exhibition is more than a collection of photographs; it is a reclamation of Black visual history. By focusing on the role of photography in shaping Black identity and activism, it underscores the medium’s power to influence social change. As Deborah Willis, one of the exhibition’s curators, notes, “Photography and photographic images were crucial in defining and giving expression to the Black Arts Movement and the Civil Rights Movement.”

Plan Your Visit

  • Dates: September 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026
  • Location: West Building, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
  • Admission: Free

For more information, visit the National Gallery of Art’s official page.

For a deeper dive into the Black Arts Movement, check out The Narrative Matters, which offers insightful articles on Black culture and history. Additionally, the exhibition’s accompanying publication, available through the National Gallery of Art, provides essays and analyses by leading scholars.

This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, history, and activism. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the power of photography in shaping a movement.

#BlackArtsMovement #PhotographyExhibition #NationalGallery

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