Black History Month: Titus Kaphar
If I’ve come away with any insight writing this Black History Month series, it’s this: the more you look, the more you will find greatness. Let’s talk about:
In every Titus Kaphar painting I’ve seen, he asks a singular question: “Who’s missing from this story?” My first exposure to his work was seeing “Behind the Myth of Benevolence.” If the work asks who is missing from Thomas Jefferson’s story, the easy answer is Sally Hemings. A more nuanced answer might acknowledge the (gaping) holes in American history where Black people would be. Other works by Kaphar also resonate with me for these reasons:
The dignity with which he portrays Black people
His combinations of oil painting with other media, including tar
His willingness to cut and otherwise “damage” the canvases he paints.
It should come as no surprise that Kaphar is a MacArthur “genius grant” winner. He’s co-created an art incubator program to mentor and support Black and Brown artists. He’s also ventured into film, directing the documentary “Shut Up and Paint.” Art news outlets say he’s directed an upcoming feature film, “Exhibiting Forgiveness.” Guess where you’ll find me when it comes to Seattle or a streaming service.
Join me for a look at another groundbreaking artist tomorrow…
On my Christmas wish list
You don’t have to give me every artwork in this video for Christmas. I’m not greedy.
Whichever one you choose from my wish list, it’ll be the star of this wall. It’s 11.09 feet (3.38 meters high) by 9.12 feet (2.78 meters wide). So easy to fill!
Lemme help you out with a few more suggested presents:
Bisa Butler discusses “Three Kings” at Pulse Miami, 2018
“Three Kings” is only one of many breath-taking art quilts created by Bisa Butler. If her gallery’s already sold this piece, I would also accept “Zouave.” (Both are probably spoken for, but it never hurts to ask.)
“Saint Woman” (detail) by Amy Sherald, from “In This Imperfect Present Moment” at Seattle Art Museum
“Saint Woman” by Amy Sherald belongs to the Seattle Art Museum, but maybe you could acquire another portrait. “Freeing Herself Was One Thing, Taking Ownership of that Freed Self Was Another” might be available. If we position it properly, I’m sure we could fit two more pieces next to this one.
Textile work by Basil Kincaid at Design Miami, 2019 (from Mindy Solomon Gallery website)
Either one of these Basil Kincaid quilts would be amazing: “Celeste” on the left, or “Take Me Home” on the right. Again, I probably have room for both. Surprise me.
Liz Tran, “Ornament 14” at Morton Fine Art
But you know what would really wake up that wall space? A salon-style wall of paintings by Liz Tran. The biggest one available at Morton Fine Art is only four by four feet — plenty of room for six more circular paintings. Done! I’ll take a break from blogging to hang them up properly, and then I’ll be back January 8th. Happy holidays!