1937-2020
Art at the Intersection of Identity and Activism
EMMA AMOS
Does Black Rub Off? // 1992
STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Emma Amos (1937-2020) emerged as a pioneering force in the art world, her life and work a testament to resilience and determination. Born in segregated Atlanta, Georgia, to college-educated parents, Amos was raised in an environment that celebrated excellence. Her grandparents' experience with slavery fueled her understanding of the struggles that paved her path, instilling in her a resolute belief in her ability to excel despite obstacles.
Recognized as a child prodigy, Amos honed her skills by meticulously replicating iconic illustrations from magazines. At sixteen, she enrolled in Antioch College's transformative five-year program, alternating between academic semesters and practical work experiences in diverse cities.
Equals // 1992
ARTISTIC EVOLUTION IN NYC
In 1960, Amos relocated to New York City, a move that would prove instrumental in shaping her artistic trajectory. She secured a teaching position at the Dalton School while collaborating with renowned textile designer Dorothy Liebes. This exposure to woven fabrics would later manifest in her innovative incorporation of textiles into paintings, blurring the boundaries between fine art and craft.
Amos's artistic journey took an indelible turn in 1964 when she joined Spiral, a groundbreaking collective of African American artists. As the youngest and sole female member, her inclusion in this influential group fostered dialogues on the intersections of art, race, and activism.
Land of the Free // 1992
Tightrope // 1994
NAVIGATING INTERSECTIONALITY
Over the course of her career, Amos's art became a conduit for exploring her multifaceted identities – as a woman, an African American, a mother, and an artist. Her marriage to Robert Levine in 1965 and the birth of her children further enriched her artistic perspectives, prompting her to delve into the intricate tapestry of domesticity, creativity, and societal expectations.
Amos's commitment to amplifying the voices of women artists manifested in her involvement with collectives like Heresies and the Guerrilla Girls, where she fearlessly confronted systemic biases in the art world. Her work gradually shifted from abstract expressionism towards figurative representations, challenging conventional notions of beauty, desire, and the male gaze.
All I Know Of Wonder // 2008
WEAVING STORIES
Amos's artistic practice was a symphony of diverse mediums, each contributing to a harmonious whole. Her mastery of weaving and profound appreciation for textiles manifested in her innovative fusion of painting and fabric. By incorporating vibrant African prints, woven tapestries, and hand-crafted textiles into her canvases, Amos imbued her art with tactile and cultural richness.
This approach not only created visually striking works but also challenged artistic conventions and hierarchies. Amos blurred the lines between fine art and craft, high art and popular culture, subverting elitist notions of "legitimate" art and paving the way for a more inclusive artistic landscape.
Two Standing Women // 1967
EMPOWERING THRU EDUCATION
Parallel to her artistic endeavours, Amos dedicated herself to fostering the next generation of creators. Her teaching career spanned decades, with tenures at institutions such as the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts and Rutgers University. As a professor and later chair of the Visual Arts department at Rutgers, Amos's classrooms became incubators for artistic expression.
She imparted not only technical skills but also a profound understanding of art's power to challenge societal norms and amplify marginalised voices. Her pedagogical approach emphasised the importance of embracing one's unique perspective and using art as a tool for social commentary and personal exploration.
The Reader // 1967
Identity // 2006
A LEGACY REDISCOVERED
While often overlooked during her lifetime, Amos's contributions to the art world experienced a resurgence of interest in her later years. Major exhibitions like "Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power" and "We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women 1965–1985" shed light on her pioneering role in the Black Arts Movement and her unwavering commitment to championing women artists.
A comprehensive retrospective, "Emma Amos: Color Odyssey," organised by the Georgia Museum of Art, further cemented her legacy. Traveling to esteemed institutions across the United States, it granted long-overdue recognition to her visionary oeuvre.
Emma Amos's artistic journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of art. Her canvases became vessels for exploring identity, challenging societal norms, and amplifying marginalised voices. Through her innovative fusion of mediums and fearless confrontation of artistic hierarchies, Amos reminded us of art's enduring power to provoke, educate, and catalyse lasting change.