Lessons in Black Art

I had an opportunity to visit my local art museum yesterday. The museum celebrated Martin Luther King Day with many special exhibits and activities. Among the activities I enjoyed the most were the film presentations on 2 African American artists.

The two movies were Jacob Lawrence: An Intimate Portrait and Mr. Dial Has Something to Say. The two films were very well done and were just long enough to hold interest. I thought the presentations were like attending a lecture in black history that included African American Art.

Jacob Lawrence has been a favorite of mind for many years. I did find out some new information about Lawrence. I have just recently discovered the unique and captivating work of Thornton Dial. Dial a self-taught African-American artist, began creating art later in life. His work consists of paintings and found-object sculptures and large assemblages. His mixed media assemblages in my opinion are his best work. There will be an exhibition of Thornton Dial’s work next month and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about this artist and view some of his work up close.

You can find a nice selection of art books and catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Great Art Magazines

What makes an art magazine great? I recently read a few comments in the news from individuals that claim what the world needs today is a great art magazine. I happen to like today's art magazines. I subscribe to 2 and read as many as I can get my hands on. I have also had an opportunity to view art magazines that were published over 50 years ago.

The older magazine publishers I believe were focused on presenting the new and different ideas in the world of art. Often there would be articles about artists who were new and not yet discovered. A lot of instruction was also included in a few of the art magazines years ago. I believe what makes an art magazine great is good ideas, good writing and of course spectacular illustrations.

Today’s art magazines are somewhat different than what was published several years ago due to necessity. There are many venues for art today that were not available let’s say during the Second World War. The internet also dictates to some extent was is viable for an art magazine today. Most paper copies of magazines are small and getting smaller. My favorite old magazines are the large ones (9.25 x 12.25 inches) with a full color image on the cover.

You can find a great selection of recent and vintage art magazines at my online book store, Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com