Read until you understand
#CaptionedBlackArt | Thursdaysº
Captioned Black Art
Your Curated Art Museum
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“I think that showing character strengths and weaknesses just remains so much more true to who we can be as human.”
— Kiley Reid
A Snippet:
Did you know that American author Kiley Reid summed up her debut novel, Such a Fun Age, as, “A comedy of good intentions?”
Learn more:
121. “Outside Looking In, Mobile Alabama” (1956)
“I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera.”
— Gordon Parks
Did you know?
Did you know that Gordon Parks (born into segregation in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912) was one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, as well as a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice?
Gordon Parks left behind an exceptional body of work that documents American life and culture (with a focus on race) from the early 1940s into the 2000s.
In addition to photography, Parks was also a distinguished composer, author, and filmmaker.
Parks purchased his first camera at a pawnshop and, despite his lack of professional training, won the prestigious Julius Rosenwald Fellowship (created for the, “well-being of mankind”); this led to a photography position with the Farm Security Administration in Washington, D.C., and, later, the Office of War Information.
While employed at both federal agencies (which at the time were chronicling the nation's social conditions), Gordon Parks developed his own personal style that would go on to make him one of the most celebrated photographers of all time.
122. “The Sun Seeker” (2022)
“I think the best way to find your purpose is by getting closer to God and understanding yourself—understanding your gifts, your talents. Whatever God has given you, you need to look at it as a superpower.”
— Siphesihle Ntsungwana
Did you know?
Did you know that Siphesihle Ntsungwana (an Eastern Cape-born artist residing in Durban, South Africa) explores transitions within his artwork, offering a fresh perspective on popular culture as it relates to South African youth?
Siphesihle Ntsungwana’s art journey started when he moved from the rural town of Bizana to the coastal city of Durban.
Upon joining an afternoon art class, “Room 13” from 2008 to 2012, Ntsungwana would be inspired to continue his studies and eventually graduate from the Fine Arts program at Durban University of Technology, majoring in painting and ceramics.
123. “The Collector” (2013)
“I just love what I do, and when I walk out into the world each day, there is so much to see, so much to paint.”
— Edwin Lester
Did you know?
Did you know that Edwin Lester (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a self-taught artist who brings sophistication, technical skill, and a sense of realism to his figurative and atmospheric paintings?
Edwin Lester’s artwork centers on personal themes—creating a narrative that allows for emotions and fleeting moments—as if painting by instinct.
For the artist, bringing joy from his Bible based-beliefs into his ark-making techniques are what fuels his passion. As Lester has stated, “I just love what I do, and when I walk out into the world each day, there is so much to see, so much to paint.”
Did you know that when acclaimed scholar Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin’s father died, ‘Read Until You Understand’ was a note he left her?
(Breathe In . . . Breathe Out)
Read until you understand
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