Black Art: In the Absence of Light

Black Art: In the Absence of Light is an HBO documentary illuminating the diverse range of black voices in the world of contemporary art. Premiering in 2021, the documentary is a depiction of the black art scene from the inception of the influential 1976 exhibition ‘Two Centuries of Black American Art’ to the current day's vibrant and dynamic landscape of black artists. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Sam Pollard, it introduces the audience to a whole gamut of prolific black artists both past and present, whose works rivals those of prominent Western art heads, but who have, for the most part, been largely overlooked by mainstream art institutions.

The documentary takes off from the 1976 landmark exhibition curated by the late David Driskell, a celebrated artist, scholar, and historian of African American art. This exhibition, shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, was the first significant survey of the art created by African Americans, shining a light on the work that had been absent from the landscape of mainstream art history. The exhibition's influence was immense, as it provided a starting point for the recognition of black art throughout American history.

A central figure around which the documentary orbits, Driskell’s lifelong advocacy for black artists helps to modify the audience’s understanding and appreciation of art history. Through the documentary, Driskell recounts his journey to collect and study art depicting the experience and culture of African Americans, which forms the crux of the narrative.

Black Art: In the Absence of Light does not simply recount a historical art exhibition. Instead, Pollard strategically employs the show as a segue into a broader discussion around the role of black artists in today's American society, offering an in-depth look at the myriad and complex artistic expressions in the face of systemic oppression.

The documentary spotlights influential artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Carrie Mae Weems, Amy Sherald, and Theaster Gates, among others, giving the viewer a glimpse into their creative process, places of inspiration, professional journey, and their gallery or home-studio spaces. Additionally, it addresses the role of museums and the art market in challenging the typical narrative, representing various artists and allowing black artists to occupy space in arenas from where they have been historically excluded.

One of the major themes echoed throughout the show is the recognition of the "beauty, power, and resilience" of the black community. The documentary emphasizes the enormity of black artistic practices, including a range of mediums from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, describing the nuances of black identity, experiences and perspectives. It effectively challenges the linear perspectives of Western Art History, transporting the audience through the kaleidoscopic reality that defines, transcends, and amplifies black artistics expressions. Sam Pollard masterfully provides a platform where black artists and scholars discuss the vitality and visibility of black art and its pivotal role in American art and history.

Moreover, the film broaches hard conversations surrounding tokenism, commodification, and representation within the predominantly white art world, and the influence of market forces on black art valuation. It also highlights how the art world's relationship with black artists changed with the 2008 Obama presidential campaign bringing renewed attention to black artists.

Despite the negatives, a spirit of camaraderie and hope radiates from the documentary. It emphasizes how black art continues to thrive and gain visibility despite institutional racism and mirrors the ongoing fight against racial inequality and social justice. Pollard does a phenomenal job of capturing the vibrancy of the black art community, encouraging viewer engagement and creating an open dialogue about an often-overlooked part of modern artistic expression.

A viewer could easily argue that Black Art: In the Absence of Light is more of an unveiling than a show, presenting an educational and enlightening journey through the multifaceted realm of black artistry. It's enlightening, inspirational, and serves as a powerful introduction to an incredible world hidden in plain sight.

Summing up, Black Art: In the Absence of Light enlightens us about the historical significance and evolution of African American art, narrates the struggles of Black artists to establish their presence in mainstream art dialogues, and celebrates the wide variety of expression in their work. This HBO gem ultimately challenges the audience to consider the spaces of art - galleries, exhibitions, museums - owned and represented by a diverse group of voices and grants a remarkable insight into the contemporary Black art landscape.