Athraigh Printmaking Studio’s series of small exhibitions continue today with its series of exhibits of African-American printmakers. The issues addressed by these artists are still current. I had not learned of many of these amazing printmakers in school and therefore, sadly, I did not expose my students to them. I hope that by bringing these artists to you now, you might have a better understanding of the long battle against racism, artists of color have fought and continue to fight today.
The Cinque Gallery was founded in 1969 by artists Romare Bearden (1911–1988), Ernest Crichlow (1914–2005), and Norman Lewis (1909–1979) to exhibit the work of both new and established African–American artists, and to provide community educational programs. The gallery was named after Joseph Cinqué, the leader of the Amistad slaveship mutiny of the 1830s. For more than three decades, Cinque sponsored more than 300 exhibitions in a number of New York City venues, as well as regional travelling exhibitions before closing in 2004.
1. Cinque Gallery brochure
Date: 1959-1981
Rendering of the Amistad, slave ship on which Joseph Cinqué led the historical uprising.
Cinque Gallery. Cinque Gallery brochure, 1959-1981. Cinque Gallery records, 1959-2010. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution
Today’s exhibit will feature Ernest Crichlow (1914–2005) who describes his art:
“… I think I know now that this is valid and this is me and this is all that really counts. As I say, the styles will go by and I will hope that I'll have a place and that is all you can do…”
https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/interviews/oral-history-interview-ernest-crichlow-11459
2. Untitled,
oil on masonite, circa 1942
3. Lovers
lithograph, 1938
…interior scene with Ku Klux Klansman struggling with African American woman in a bedroom.
4. Untitled
aquatint, 1988
5. Waiting
lithograph, 1965
…a lone child peering through a barbed wire fence.
For more on Ernest Crichlow, please go to:
https://beardenfoundation.org/cinque-artists-program/
https://pffcollection.com/artists/ernest-crichlow/
If you wish to view higher res images of this or any of the past articles please visit the Athraigh Print Studio:
https://www.joelelginathraighprintstudio.com/
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