If I told you that 66% of all the artwork by black American artists currently in the White House art collection has been acquired by the Bushes, depending on what side of the political aisle you stand, this fact may either raise an eyebrow from right wing nuts or some sort of conspiracy theory from left wing nuts.
But if I told you that there are only three such works (out of an estimated 375 pieces), both sides of the aisle should find that surprising... and maybe in need of attention.
Earlier on I reacted in an irate manner to having American artist Jacob Lawrence described as a great African-American artist, rather than just a great artist. And then Washington City Paper's scribe Kriston Capps, in the process of policing that whole issue and this subsequent squabble, comes up with an interesting fact.
According to Capps, Betty Monkman, the curator of the White House, revealed that, "while Lawrence’s painting isn’t the sole piece by a black artist in the executive mansion, it’s close to it — there are only two others."
That's now three out of "an estimated 375 total in the White House’s art collection."
Geez.
That implies that Simmie Knox's portrait of President Clinton is not considered part of the White House’s art collection, which doesn't make sense. Knox is a DC area artist by the way, and a brilliant painter.
So let's take the first century and a half off the acquisition process, which probably just focused on American artists from one of the four races, and somewhat reverse my stand on segregating artists by race, rather than just artistic merit, and let me take the uncomfortable side of trying to ask the question, "Why aren't there more works by black artists in the White House collection?"
Article comments
1 - Raymond E. Johns
Thank you Mr.Campello for speaking well as a just man.however,it is very sad that America still look down on great Black men,whom have given much,but.Mr.Bush-W-did work with the King family to get Rev.King on the DC grounds.maybe this will be an open door for future black art contribtions.thank you for caring.
2 - Raymond E. Johns
Thank you Mr.Campello for speaking well as a just man.however,it is very sad that America still look down on great Black men,whom have given much,but.Mr.Bush-W-did work with the King family to get Rev.King on the DC grounds.maybe this will be an open door for future black art contribtions.thank you for caring.