Watch Black Art: In the Absence of Light

Black Art: In the Absence of Light is a documentary film that sheds light on the rise of contemporary Black artists in the United States. The movie, which premiered in February 2021 and is directed by Sam Pollard, features interviews with Kerry James Marshall, Kehinde Wiley, Carrie Mae Weems, and other Black artists, curators, and scholars.

The film explores how Black artists have been underrepresented and marginalized in museums and galleries for centuries, facing systemic racism and discrimination that have prevented them from showcasing their work on a larger scale. Black Art: In the Absence of Light reveals how the art world has failed to recognize the contributions of many Black artists, and how these artists have defied stereotypes and challenged prevailing cultural narratives in their work.

Throughout the film, Black Art: In the Absence of Light showcases the works of several Black artists who have made a significant impact on the contemporary art world. Featured artists include Kara Walker, Lorna Simpson, Glenn Ligon, and Julie Mehretu. Through interviews with these artists, the movie delves into their individual perspectives on the role of Black art in contemporary society, as well as the challenges and rewards of creating art that addresses issues of race, identity, and culture.

One of the key themes of Black Art: In the Absence of Light is the importance of Black representation in the art world. The film highlights how Black artists have been traditionally excluded from galleries and institutions, and how the art world has frequently ignored the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black artists.

While the film acknowledges the challenges that Black artists face, it also highlights the immense talent, creativity, and innovation that can emerge when Black artists are allowed to create and showcase their work. The film emphasizes the importance of challenging conventional ideas about what constitutes "good" art, and how Black artists can play a critical role in redefining the cultural discourse around art, race, and power.

Black Art: In the Absence of Light also explores the history of Black art in America, tracing its roots back to the Harlem Renaissance, and highlighting the ways in which Black artists have responded to the social and political realities of their time. The film delves into the ways in which Black artists have used their work to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Black culture, and how they have drawn on their personal experiences to create powerful and transformative works of art.

Overall, Black Art: In the Absence of Light is a powerful and insightful documentary that celebrates the incredible contributions of Black artists to the contemporary art world. The film highlights the challenges and obstacles that Black artists have faced, while also emphasizing the immense talent and creativity that have emerged in response to these challenges. Through its exploration of Black art in America, the film challenges conventional ideas about race, identity, and culture, and shows how Black artists can play a crucial role in redefining our understanding of what it means to be an artist.

Black Art: In the Absence of Light is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.