Burden of Racism in the Twentieth Century

Racism as defined in the dictionary is a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others. This idea that the white race has been dominant over other races, specifically the black race in this context, dates back to the colonial period. When the Europeans came to America they were faced with Native Americans and they quickly sought to eradicate them. The African Americans were the next race to interact with the white settlers as the slave trade was in full force. A century later the trade had come to a halt and African Americans were beginning to gain their independence. As they began to gain new freedoms, racism would become one of the United State’s largest social dilemmas. The Americans that owned the slaves could not agree to have a new race that was equal to them. This problem of racial dominance and the fallout from their actions has continued to this day. Although racism is no longer institutionalized by the government, it still persists in places such as the art world.

Racism has been present in art through various forms starting with the education of black artists to the critiquing of their finals pieces. Throughout history, many African Americans that dreamed of becoming artists couldn’t do so because they weren’t admitted to upper level educational institutions. Although this is not present in today’s world, African American artists still struggle with the lack of acceptance in their art. In some cases these artists are producing pieces that have strictly African influences and in others they are being critiqued negatively based off their race. Racism in the art world has marginalized many talented African American artists that otherwise would have gained much more notoriety.

In the United States there has always been a strong presence of racism since the colonial and slave era ended. From the origins of slavery to the late 20th century many state governments had instituted segregation into the legal system. Primary laws focused on limiting African Americans from voting rights and taking part in the prestigious educational system of its time. Even wealthier African American families that had gained their freedom during slavery saw difficulties in attending universities including art academies. Black artists of this time experienced difficulties in attending classes coupled with lack of support from critics. Very often their art would go unnoticed and their careers as artists would disintegrate. Henry Ossawa Tanner sought to break these barriers by becoming one of the most noteworthy African American artists. The precedent he set within the black art community served as a model for other artists including Hale Woodruff, Elizabeth Catlett, Palmer Hayden and Jacob Lawrence. Racism, both institutionalized by the government and social standards, has marginalized African American artists, including Henry Ossawa Tanner and the above artists, since the introduction of slavery in the United States.

Henry Ossawa Tanner’s life in America can be labeled as a struggle. Being born during the Underground Railroad time period, Tanner came into the United States with the Jim Crow laws present. Before his own encounters with racism Henry’s father, Benjamin Tanner, was once told to move to the “colored section” at a Shakespeare play by a United States deputy marshal, which he refused to do and later sued for assault and battery. Racism was a large part of his struggles, as he became a man. One instance, he was tied to his easel out in the middle of the street by his fellow colleagues at art school. Although the racism and ill-treatment that riddled Tanner in America gave him the urge to move to Paris, he still loved his country and even joined the Red Cross at the age of 58 to help other Americans. The racism in America stuck with him for his lifetime, however as he comments, “ I was extremely timid and to be made to feel that I was not wanted, although in a place where I had every right to be, even months afterwards caused me sometimes weeks of pain. Every time any one of these disagreeable incidents came into my mind, my heart sank, and I was anew tortured by the thought of what I had endured, almost as much as the incident itself.”

As the trials of racism in America continued to haunt Tanner daily, his desire to leave the country and travel to Europe grew even larger. His unsuccessful attempt at opening a photography studio in Atlanta, Georgia resulted in the final push that brought him to his big move – Paris was a welcomed escape. At the time, the city of lights was the perfect retreat for a young artist. It was open to all kinds of painting and photography circles. One of the most rewarding aspects of the culture was the lack of racism within these art communities. The color of his skin played no part in the interpretation and critique of his work. Tanner was drawn to the people in Paris and their way of life. He thought of the city to have so much natural beauty that he was inspired to create more and more work. He had the accessibility to some of the world’s most renowned museums, like the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. He was highly inspired by artists like, Gustave Courbet and Jean-Baptiste Chardin. Tanner easily acclimated to the Parisian lifestyle, however that did not take away from his love and respect that he always had for his own country. Tanner would often visit America to get inspired to create work. It was a steady place with a rhythm that he knew. Ignoring the racist comments and judgmental stares, when he traveled back to the place he’d been born, he was there for the artwork and the journey, not for much else.

Tanner’s journey from America to Paris had a heavy impact on his style of painting. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia in the attempt to make enough money to move to Paris he created works such as “Georgia Landscape.” This painting provides the viewer with a dark and ominous view of a landscape in Georgia. Was this work alluding to the dark times of his past and his encounters with his racist peers? Or was this just Tanner’s interpretation of America during the time? Throughout his career as an artist he had several different styles of painting, but he always represented his works using realism. Tanner’s “Thankful Poor” demonstrates his ability to create empathy within the narrative of his subject matter. This work was most likely inspired by one of his trips back to America after moving to Paris. Works such as “Daniel and the Lions Den” and “Annunciation” were works inspired by his travels abroad. Tanner was able to go to the Middle East and Africa while living in Paris and these trips greatly influenced his religious works. His use of vibrant colors and the change in subject matter is reflective of his move to France and how it influenced his work. Tanner paved the way for African American artists to make a name for themselves in the art world. Artist’s such as Hale Woodruff, Elizabeth Catlett, Palmer Hayden, and Jacob Lawrence may not have had the chance to gain recognition for their works if Tanner had not come before them. All four of these artist have much different style than Tanner, but one thing they all have in common is their focus on African American subject matter, and the influence of racism. For example Tanner’s realism is very different from that of Palmer Hayden’s exaggerated figures in “Nous Quatre A Paris,” but they both were influenced by the culture of Paris and it shows through in their works.

In conclusion, racism has marginalized African American artists in the United States since the introduction of slavery. Henry Ossawa Tanner is a prime example of someone who tried to overcome those barriers but couldn’t quite succeed to his fullest potential within our borders. Although he produced most of his artwork abroad he is still recognized for his strong ties to America. Unfortunately, racism has been the greatest barrier to the success of many African American artists throughout history. The feats that Henry Ossawa Tanner attained inspired Hale Woodruff, Elizabeth Catlett, Palmer Hayden and Jacob Lawrence to overcome racial barriers and progress their art.