Making History: Twentieth Century African American Art offers a fascinating glimpse at artistic production and patronage associated with the renowned Barnett Aden Gallery, operating in Washington, D.C., from 1943 to 1969. Opening March 31 and running through June 10, the exhibition features more than 50 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by 23 artists. It includes the work of celebrated artists such as Richmond Barthé, David Driskell, Norman Lewis, Charles White, and Hale Woodruff, among others. A cross-section of art by the internationally acclaimed Elizabeth Catlett anchors the exhibition.
The Barnett Aden Gallery – founded and managed by Professor James V. Herring and Curator Alonzo J. Aden of Howard University – provided crucial exhibition opportunities for emerging black artists at mid-century. Representing the work of white artists as well, this pioneering gallery nurtured diversity in an era of strict segregation. In place of sales commissions from exhibitors, Herring and Aden welcomed gifts of art for their personal collection. Following their deaths in the 1960s, the collection was dispersed; the majority of it is owned today by Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). A smaller segment entered private hands and remained out of sight for nearly four decades – until its debut in this exhibition.
In recent years these exceptional artworks – in deteriorating condition and facing an uncertain future – were acquired by Margaret and John Gottwald, longtime VMFA friends and patrons. Meg Gottwald describes her unexpected stewardship of the collection as “an extraordinary combination of happenstance, providence, synchronicity, perseverance, and passion – with a little bit of midlife crisis thrown in.” Aided by her friend Diana Adams, Meg organized, researched, and oversaw the restoration of the art with care and sensitivity. Finding the works compelling – both individually and collectively – she came to believe that they should be returned to public view.
As her knowledge of the art and artists grew, Meg was inspired to complete her Master of Arts degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, writing her thesis on Catlett’s important I Am the Negro Woman linocut series (1946-1947), which figures prominently in the collection. She also brought the artworks to the attention of VMFA, along with the exciting idea that graduate students in VCU’s Art History department might curate an exhibition. Making History is the result of this innovative collaboration.
Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Lindauer, VCU associate professor and coordinator of museum studies, the exhibition and accompanying catalogue essay were developed during a fall 2011 seminar by graduate students Andrea Alvarez, Grace Astrove, Kristie Couser, Elizabeth Fuqua, and Meredith Hertel. Several VMFA staff members – including Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary, associate curator of American art and Dr. Sylvia Yount, chief curator and Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane curator of American art – helped facilitate exhibition planning.
Catalogue
Making History: Twentieth Century African American Art, published by VMFA with funding support from VCU School of the Arts. Available in the VMFA Shop beginning March 30.
Related Programs
Nicole Gilpin-Hood on Elizabeth Catlett
Thursday, March 29, 12 – 1:30 p.m., Marble Hall
$20 lunch & lecture
Dr. Nicole Hood is a Richmond native with experience in museums, academia, and independent schools. Trained as an art historian, she has held teaching positions at Georgia State University, Howard University and Spelman College. She is the former interim director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. She is a specialist in the history of African-American art, and her doctoral dissertation was on the sculpted works of Elizabeth Catlett. Currently, Dr. Hood is Director of Academic and Community Enrichment at St. Catherine’s School and teaches a senior English elective on African-American literature.
Making History: A Conversation with David C. Driskell
Friday, March 30, 6 p.m., Leslie Cheek Theater
Book signing with Dr. Driskell 4:45-5:30 p.m.
$5 (VMFA members free, tickets required)
Distinguished artist, scholar, and art collector David C. Driskell will share his memories and insights about the historic Barnett Aden Gallery. Presently professor emeritus at the University of Maryland, College Park, Dr. Driskell once worked as an assistant at the pioneering Washington, D.C., gallery from 1952-1955; served as its director from 1961-1963; and exhibited his paintings there many times. He will be interviewed by Tosha Grantham, Ph.D. candidate in the department of Art History, University of Maryland, College Park, and former VMFA assistant curator of modern and contemporary art.
Art History Class
Interrogating the Present and the Past: African American Art in the 20th and 21st centuries
Tuesdays, March 20 – April 10, 1 – 2 p.m.
Dr. Evie Terrono, Associate Professor of Art History, Randolph-Macon College
$55 (VMFA members $40)
This course will examine the careers and production of African American artists as expressions of the American historical experience and as paradigms of the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the United States. Students will also discuss works in VMFA’s Making History exhibition.
About the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
With a collection of art that spans the globe and more than 5,000 years, plus a wide array of special exhibitions, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is recognized as one of the top comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection encompasses more than 23,000 works of art, including the largest public collection of Fabergé outside Russia and one of the nation’s finest collections of American Art, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. VMFA is home to acclaimed collections of English Silver and Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British Sporting and Modern & Contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan and African art. In May 2010, VMFA opened its doors to the public after a transformative expansion, the largest in its 75-year history. Programs include educational activities and studio classes for all ages, plus fun after-hours events. VMFA’s Statewide Partnership program includes traveling exhibitions, artist and teacher workshops, and lectures across the Commonwealth. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. For additional information, telephone 804-340-1400 or visit www.vmfa.museum.
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