Art History

March 12, 2021

Alma Thomas: The Life and Work of a 20th-Century Black Female Abstract Artist

It’s never too late to achieve your dreams and reach your fullest potential. There are few better examples of this than Alma Thomas. As a Black female artist of the 20th century, she grew up during a time and in a place where she wasn't even allowed into museums, much less have her work hanging in one. Needless to say, she did not take the conventional path to becoming an artist.

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February 20, 2021

How African American Art and Culture Blossomed During the Harlem Renaissance

In the early 20th century, New York City's Harlem neighborhood underwent a historic transformation. During what is now described as the Harlem Renaissance, the area thrived as a cultural hub for African Americans, culminating in unprecedented advancements in art, literature, and music. Though this “golden age” lasted less than 20 years, its legacy has lived on for decades.

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February 17, 2021

Henry Ossawa Tanner: The Life and Work of a 19th-Century Black Artist

The 19th century was not an easy time to be a Black person in America, especially if you were trying to make it as an artist. For that reason, it is extremely remarkable to note when an American artist of African descent is able to rise above the racial discrimination so prevalent during that time period and become a renowned artist of international acclaim.

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January 24, 2021

6 Norman Rockwell Paintings Depicting the “All American” Culture of the 20th Century

A keen observer of everyday life, Norman Rockwell is known for his idealized images of American history. He had a 47-year-long association with The Saturday Evening Post, for which he provided over 320 cover images. Many of his paintings are now iconic and illustrate important societal themes including patriotism, gender equality, and racial integration. Rendered in his signature realist style, Rockwell’s paintings were executed with an immense amount of detail.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.