Blacks in the Arts Midterm Paper

What is black art? Why is it relevant? What impact does it have on our society today? These are just a few of the numerous questions that are mind bottling to me. Taking time to view and analyze black art is something that I have never experienced. Although, each work that I viewed on Monday sparked my interest and curiosity. I noticed that that the paintings in the art gallery and the pieces outside the gallery had differences even though they were all considered black art. Professor Ruffin later asked us “why are these pieces of work considered black art”? And I thought the answer would be because each piece of work is a representation of black culture. Although that answer may be true, this class has already thought me that there is no wrong or right answer. The two paintings that stood out to me inside and outside of the art gallery was a Yaka initiation mask and a colorful painting displaying brown and tan figures. The Yaka initiation mask is made out of wood and cane. It has a white face, teeth, slit eyes and a triangular nose.  I think these two works of art are similar because they are both very powerful and serve a purpose. I think the two works of art are different because while we reflect on the purpose the Yaka mask served years ago, the painting is still serving its purpose to the people that viewed it today. The Yaka initiation masks were used by Africans to bring boys into adulthood through the acts of circumcision and instruction. These masks were not only paint on wood to the Africans that used them in these very important ceremonies but were symbolic of the trails and tribulations of the initiates. The craftsmanship that went into the masks was very precise and had meaning. For example, the hair on the masks is made out of raffia cloth to represent the elders of the community and all of their decedents.  When I saw this mask on Monday, I was amazed by the thought that Africans created these pieces of work by hand and put thought into every single...