Black art continues to flourish in galleries, auction houses, and private collections worldwide, becoming a focal point for Black art investment. Works by Black artists are highly sought after, reflecting a cultural renaissance and a shift in how we value creativity born from the Black experience.
Historical Context: Pioneers of Black Artistic Excellence
A Jacob Lawrence painting from The Migration Series.
The Harlem Renaissance introduced artists like Aaron Douglas and Jacob Lawrence, who portrayed Black life with dignity and complexity. Their works, such as Lawrence’s Migration Series, captured the essence of the African American experience, laying the groundwork for future generations
The Evolution of Black Artistic Expression
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s Six Birds in the Bush.
Contemporary creators like Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Kerry James Marshall, and Amy Sherald continue to build on this legacy, crafting works that redefine Black identity. Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s evocative paintings, such as Six Birds in the Bush, which achieved $3.6 million at Sotheby’s, demonstrate the increasing prominence of Black voices in the art world. Kerry James Marshall’s Past Times, which sold for $21.1 million, and Amy Sherald’s celebrated portrait of Michelle Obama highlight the enduring impact of their artistry.
Comic Book Art: A Medium of Cultural Storytelling
‘Collections in Black’ at the August Wilson Center celebrates the contributions of Black comic book artists, heroes, and collectors, curated by Phillip ‘DJ Big Phill’ Thompson.
Comic book art has emerged as a significant form of Black artistic expression. Early pioneers like Matt Baker, who broke barriers during the Golden Age of comics, and Billy Graham, known for his iconic work on Luke Cage and other Marvel titles, have left an indelible mark on the medium. Graham’s work, celebrated for its bold storytelling and dynamic style, continues to be highly valued, with original pages and covers sought after by collectors. Modern creators such as Sanford Greene, known for his award-winning work on Bitter Root, carry this legacy forward. Original comic art, including pages from iconic series, often commands impressive prices at auction, merging pop culture and fine art.
Auction Records and Market Trends
Ernie Barnes’ The Sugar Shack.
Auction houses have recognized the immense value of Black art, including iconic works like Ernie Barnes’ The Sugar Shack. This celebrated painting, which captures the vibrant energy of Black social life, sold for $15.3 million at auction, significantly exceeding expectations. Remarkably, this was not the original painting—Eddie Murphy owns the original—but a second iteration created by Barnes. The record-breaking sale underscores the lasting impact and cultural value of his work. Similarly, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Warrior achieved $41.8 million at Christie’s, showcasing the global appetite for Black creative excellence. These sales highlight the broader appreciation of Black artists across various mediums, from fine art to comic book art.
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s painting Warrior sold for $41.8 million at Christie’s in Hong Kong in March 2021.
Investing in Black Art
Collecting Black art offers both financial and cultural returns, making it an appealing avenue for Black art investment. Aspiring collectors can start small, investing in prints or emerging artists, or dive into original works across diverse mediums, including comic book pages. Building a collection also supports the continued evolution of Black creativity.
Resources for Aspiring Collectors
- Learn the Landscape: Study the history and evolution of Black art, from fine art to comics, to understand its cultural significance.
- Engage with Galleries: Seek out spaces that specialize in Black art and attend exhibitions to discover a range of works.
- Support Emerging Artists: Platforms like Artsy and fairs like the African Art Fair highlight new talent.
- Explore Auctions: Keep an eye on Sotheby’s and Christie’s for both major works and accessible pieces.
- Collect Comic Art: Search for original pages or cover art from creators like Matt Baker, Billy Graham, or Sanford Greene to start a unique and valuable collection.
Conclusion
Black art continues to inspire, challenge, and redefine narratives across the globe. By investing in Black art—from fine art to comics—collectors not only preserve cultural heritage but also contribute to the continued elevation of Black artistic voices.
