Aditi Kumar

These images remind me of spring because of their vibrant colors that signify a hopeful tone that spring conveys after winter. Kara Walker's image has flowers, an identifying trait of spring, while Vernon's more abstract image has some small pictures of fields. #arth287artoninsta

The 2nd image shows the serenity of the subject, which is a concept not usually associated with Blackness. As the portrait is zoomed in, this forces the viewer to focus on his facial expression.

The open fence of the 1st portrait by Sheila Pree Bright could signify how the subject is breaking free from stereotypes and unfair misconceptions placed on his community. The subject's stance seems confident due to his leaning posture and facial expression. #Arth287artoninsta

@RJDavis350 This exhibition is so important when considering how we must remember the past in order to move forward. The negative parts of history should be kept in mind as well so that we can know how to improve.

Sadie Barnett’s was a solo show at Jessica Silverman’s titled “Sadie Barnette: Inheritance.” It outlines the trauma of the world, what we’re leaving behind for people to inherit, and thinking of the good and bad of being passed from generation to generation. #arth287artoninsta

@linden_arth287 I think the stark difference between the colors could be meant to place emphasis on the color portions while also causing viewers to wonder why the images on the wall were so dark.

Sadie Barnette had a solo exhibition with Jessica Silverman Gallery where numerous works were featured. This one particularly caught my eye because of the pastel colors with the contrast of black, white, purple, and pink. #arth287artoninsta

Zoë Charlton's solo exhibition, "The Latter to the Former", consists of sculptures, collages, and small works on paper. This exhibit brought together a variety of her artworks, each highlighting ideals of historical representation and racial issues. #arth287artoninsta

This image is of Dawoud Bey's solo exhibit "In This Here Place", portraying large scale pictures of Louisiana plantations and the debut of a three-channel Evergreen video. The exhibition is meant to revive and reinforce the memory of African Americans' past. #arth287artoninsta

@OrgainElla This art piece is so simple, yet so powerful. The medium that the artist chose is very unique, emphasizing the fact that we must remember the pain and terrible nature of racial violence in order to understand it and make progress.

These pieces by Stephen Hayes address racial violence in a more implicit way. Rather than depicting a violent scene, the artist took several bullets to signify the many violent shots taken at blacks and uses them to form the symbol for the black power movement. #ARTH287ArtonInsta

The most prominent words in this art piece by Adam Pendleton are "are", "not", "we", and "heard". These words, combined with the distress induced by the chaotic spray paint, signify how the issue of racial violence is not improving in the way it should be. #arth287artoninsta

This image by Sheila Pree Bright addresses the racial violence that occurs today. It depicts an African American woman who is trying to speak out, but her mouth is covered by a mask. This could represent how difficult it is to stand up for one's rights. #arth287artoninsta

This painting by Genevieve Gaignard contradicts the historical stereotype of how white skin signifies beauty. The manicured nails, placement of the hands, and earrings indicate the high status and great elegance of this woman. #arth287artoninsta

This painting by @ninachanel contradicts the "black brute" stereotype from "Ethnic Notions" where African Americans are seen as aggressive and incapable of holding civilized interactions. This person seems contemplative and poised, challenging the stereotype. #arth287artoninsta

This artwork can represent the genesis story, but Eve seems to be caring for the serpent instead of being its enemy. The boldness of Eve and the serpent first draw our eyes first to these subjects before the other animals. #arth287

In Van Der Wee's "Winter Portrait #2", the subject wanted viewer to know how wealthy and well dressed she is by her choice of clothing for the shoot. Her pose is both awkward and feminine. #arth287

This painting by Piper shows perspective through the lines of the floorboards that seem to connect at a point in the distance. However, the subject’s head doesn’t follow this pattern, creating a distorted feeling in the viewer. #arth287

@itsyagaltreas The way that the previously enslaved African Americans reacted during this time period signifies how much emotion they were holding back throughout their enslavement.

@Arth287N This time of Iconoclasm is most likely left out of history by many people due to how emotional it is. Enslaved African Americans were finally able to lash out in response to their unfair treatment, and this causes the subject to be extremely sensitive for both sides involved.

In "The Dark Iconoclast", Jennifer Van Horn shows how the act of destroying art can be considered art itself. Newly freed slaves in America put emotions like anger and exhaustion into defacing art pieces that catered to White slave owners and pro-slavery Americans. #arth287

@BestJahmila The Statue of Liberty is meant to signify freedom, yet many Black Americans do not feel this freedom even today. The veiled eyes could show how some Americans are turning away from the injustice they see on a daily basis.

@hope_mutter I think the use of multimedia could represent the various backgrounds that African Americans have come from, yet they can still be connected through this cultural practice of braiding.

This is Gifted Hands by Jamea Richmond-Edwards. I love the artist's multimedia approach, and what this artwork says and about the social and cultural significance of braiding in the black community. It shows how braiding is passed down through generations. #arth287artoninsta