Beauty Born of Struggle

This book highlights the beauty-centered works of influential Black artists from Washington, DC, exploring their impact from the 1920s to today.

In Beauty Born of Struggle, a collection of illustrated essays, the works of influential Black artists from Washington, DC, are brought to the forefront, spanning from the 1920s to the present. This book serves as a celebration of these artists, who, in a time when modern art often shunned beauty, embraced it as a central tenet of their creations. Among the featured artists are luminaries like David C. Driskell, Sam Gilliam, Lois Mailou Jones, and Alma Thomas, who collectively contributed to what Jeffrey C. Stewart refers to as the Washington Black Renaissance.

The essays delve into the vibrant histories surrounding key institutions in the District and highlight the communities of educators, critics, and collectors that have shaped the artistic landscape. This nuanced exploration traces the evolution of an aesthetic dialogue that has persisted from the 1920s to today, showcasing how these artists have influenced and been influenced by their surroundings. The work is grounded by the voices of contemporary artists, as captured during a live panel discussion held at the National Gallery of Art in 2017, featuring prominent figures such as Lilian Thomas Burwell and Martin Puryear.

Published by the National Gallery of Art in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts and distributed by Yale University Press, Beauty Born of Struggle not only highlights the significance of beauty in art but also underscores the resilience and creativity of Black artists in Washington, DC. This book is a vital contribution to the understanding of American art history and its diverse narratives.