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Alkaline Academy

73 members • $40/m

Influential Walls

124 members • Free

Contemporary Art

81 members • Free

5 contributions to Contemporary Art
Personal Emergency & Life Events Pushing Back Class Scheduling
I hope you're all doing well. I want to take a moment to apologize for the rescheduling of our classes last week and this week. Classes on our syllabus will pick back up next week or early March. This course means a lot to me, and I want to show up fully present and prepared to engage in the way that you all deserve. I’ll send an update soon but new dates are on the calendar. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue reflecting on past discussions, engaging with the materials, and sharing thoughts in the community space. I truly appreciate your patience
0 likes • Feb 19
No problem. I pray everything works out good for you. Thank you, for sharing your time.
⏰ Class 2 Now Posted! (Write Discussion Notes Below)
Write your discussion notes below from "AFRICOBRA – The Art of Black Power and Cultural Revolution ." If you are having trouble opening it, view the screenshot below with instructions. QUESTIONS: In 1967, Jeff Donaldson, a pivotal figure in the Black Arts Movement and co-founder of AFRICOBRA, posed a series of thought-provoking questions to fellow artists. These questions were designed to challenge and inspire artists to reflect on their roles and the impact of their work within the Black community. 1. The Role of the Artist in Society: What responsibilities do Black artists have in representing and uplifting their communities? 2. Defining a Black Aesthetic: How can artists develop a distinct aesthetic that authentically reflects Black culture and experiences? 3. Art as a Tool for Social Change: In what ways can art be utilized to address and combat social injustices faced by the Black community? 4. Community Engagement: How can artists actively involve and engage the Black community in the creation and appreciation of art? 5. Cultural Preservation: What role does art play in preserving and celebrating African heritage and traditions within the diaspora? 6. Economic Empowerment: How can Black artists create sustainable economic opportunities for themselves and their communities through their work? 7. Collaborative Efforts: In what ways can artists collaborate to strengthen the collective impact of Black art movements? 8. Challenging Stereotypes: How can art be used to dismantle harmful stereotypes and reshape the narrative surrounding Black identities?
⏰ Class 2 Now Posted! (Write Discussion Notes Below)
0 likes • Feb 8
I really enjoyed learning about the history of these amazing artists. As artists, I feel we have a great responsibility to uplift and positively represent our community through our work. We are the community. I believe our community reflects how we see ourselves. The stigmas placed upon us—both by other cultures and by our own—are so deeply rooted that we must continue using our gifts and talents to avoid perpetuating those narratives for future generations. The video provided many examples of this. It was also briefly mentioned that the artists weren't speaking to the art world but directly to Black people. Art is a powerful tool for giving voice and challenging negative and damaging perceptions. The fact that artists creating a mural that spoke to them and their community were met with guns and hostility shows how much it challenged the status quo. That was truly revolutionary. We can develop our own aesthetic by learning from what the AfriCOBRA artists accomplished. They sought meaningful ways to socially and politically respond to the issues in their environment. I believe they meticulously chose methods to deliver bold and direct statements through their use of color, typography, patterns, subject matter, and location — all aligned with their mission, values, and vision for the future of the Black community.
⏰ Class 1 Now Posted! (Write Discussion Notes Below)
Write your discussion notes below from "Foundations – Basic Principles of Art Through Arthur Jafa." If you are having trouble opening it, view the screenshot below with instructions. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: 1. How does rhythm appear in both the tool installation and photo arrangements? 2. Where do you see the strongest contrasts in the exhibition? 3. How does Jafa use proportion to create emphasis? 4. What movements guide viewers through the space? 5. How do recurring symbols create visual connections? 6. Where do you see hierarchy in the exhibition layout? This approach makes contemporary art principles more accessible while using Jafa's work as a concrete example of their application.
⏰ Class 1 Now Posted! (Write Discussion Notes Below)
0 likes • Feb 3
Wow! This was a great discussion. What I realized about Jaffa's work is that it holds so much depth. During the interview, there was a moment when he said he wants "to make work less about Black people and more like Black people." I feel he's drawing parallels between his work and the characteristics of Black people — fully embracing our reality, past and present. This includes what got Black people through slavery and many other oppressive events, fostering a certain fortitude and strength. Through the use of sharp contrasts and specific imagery, he allows the viewer to make that connection. He also emphasizes that his intention is not necessarily to uplift. However, by shifting your perspective just a little, you can find inspiration in the "darkness" of his work. From that darkness emerged beauty and resilience.
Syllabus is Here! See You for Class Tomorrow 💫
Hi class, attached is the syllabus! Also included in the syllabus are book suggestions for each course. Post questions or comments below. Class will be posted tomorrow 1/28 by 7pm.
Syllabus is Here! See You for Class Tomorrow 💫
2 likes • Jan 27
@Professor Morris Thank you so much for this. I appreciate you sharing your time to do this.
Intro/Fav Artist
Hello Everyone! My name is Shana. I'm an Artist. I've been making art pretty much my whole life as a hobby, but I'm really focused on perfecting my craft and learning more about black art. I paint with oil and acrylics. Portraiture is my primary theme with realistic style and some abstract elements. And Ernie Barnes is one of my favorite artists. I love his use of color and display of movement within his subjects.
Intro/Fav Artist
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Shana R
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10points to level up
@shana-r-4733
Hi! I'm a self-taught artist from Buffalo, NY. Art has always been a part of my life. I love creating murals and collaborating with artists.

Active 10h ago
Joined Jan 26, 2025
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