Black Art Magazine: Stories & News from the Black Art World

THE BUILD ISSUE

“As We Rise” presents 100+ photographs showcasing Black Atlantic life
February 15, 2026

"As We Rise" at Grand Rapids Art Museum presents 100+ photographs from the Wedge Collection, mapping Black Atlantic life through portraits, style, and community.

How They Made Black Art History: Joshua Johnson

Joshua Johnson made a living painting portraits in early Baltimore, leaving a vivid record of family life, aspiration, and the business of being seen.

How They Made Black Art History: Scipio Moorhead

Scipio Moorhead, an enslaved portrait artist in 1770s Boston, sits at the edge of the archive yet reshapes how early Black art history is understood.

Who Was the First Black Artist?

Who counts as the first Black artist depends on what survives. This BAM250 investigation follows portraits, print, and stone to the earliest name the record supports.

Collections from 5 HBCUs featured in National Museum of African American History & Culture exhibition

NMAAHC’s At the Vanguard opens Jan. 16, 2026, spotlighting over 100 objects from five HBCU museums and archives and reframing HBCUs as the backbone of preservation.

Missed an issue?

We got you covered.

ORDER PRINT EDITIONS

ART SCENE

“As We Rise” presents 100+ photographs showcasing Black Atlantic life

"As We Rise" at Grand Rapids Art Museum presents 100+ photographs from the Wedge…

Collections from 5 HBCUs featured in National Museum of African American History & Culture exhibition

NMAAHC’s At the Vanguard opens Jan. 16, 2026, spotlighting over 100 objects from five…

International African American Museum opens “middle of somewhere” in Charleston, on view through Feb. 14, 2027

IAAM’s new special exhibition “middle of somewhere” opened Feb. 7, 2026 in Charleston, tracing…

MoMA PS1 now offers free admission

MoMA PS1 will offer free admission to all visitors starting January 1, 2026 for…

RECENT STORIES

SEE ALL >

Pathways

The Master’s Degree Map for Artists and Art-Curious Professionals

A clear guide to master’s degrees across the art world, from studio MFAs to policy, museums, conservation, and the market. Includes who grad school serves best, when to go, and how to choose the right track.

JOY OF CREATION

Mixed Media Art by Xen

Meet Xen, a mixed meda artist from New York whose specialty is depicting Afrobeats…

Oil Paintings by Tabitha Whitley

Meet Tabitha Whitley, a multifaceted artist whose vibrant oil paintings delve into themes of…

Oil Paintings by Rodney Butler

Meet Rodney D. Butler, a modern-day Renaissance artist who is willing to master any…

Pastel Artwork by Natasha Marcano

Introducing Natasha Marcano, an artist based in New York whose pastel artwork emphasizes the…

FROM FRONTIER ISSUE

"Being surrounded by others in the same field is not just motivating, it’s a constant source of wisdom and an opportunity to learn new things," says Devin Wesley. Through collaboration, Wesley hones his ability to capture the emotional depth of his subjects. He values the connections and stories that come from engaging with others in the art world. >

Out Now: The Build Issue

Explore the Building Blocks Issue of Black Art Magazine

EXPLORE ONLINE

YOU SHOULD KNOW

We ran into John Legend at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. Clearly he's an art lover just like us. →

Figurative Paintings by Aaron Marner

Interview with TY DESIGN

Abstract Art by LaDara McKinnon

Digital Art by Chidera Uzoka

MEET THE ARTISTS

SEE ALL >

COMMERCE

Creative Capital Grants $2.9M to 109 artists across all 50 states

Creative Capital’s 2026 awards distribute $2.9M to 109 artists, expanding nationwide support with a new State of the Art Prize and project-based funding.

Ruth Arts grants $25 million to 169 organizations

Ruth Arts expanded its Core Grants for 2025-2028, awarding $25.35M in unrestricted support to 169 organizations. Each recipient receives $150K over three years.