Play in darkness
Quotes and Black Art | Thursdaysº
Quotes and Black Art
Your Curated Art Museum
“Come for the art, stay for the quotes.”
“‘Don’t you think, Hester,’ broke in her husband, ‘that mebbe there’s some truth in what Freddie says? Don’t you think the Lord kind o’ whispers what He wants people to do in their own ears? Mebbe it was n’t never intended fur Freddie to be a preacher: there’s other ways o’ doin’ good besides a-talkin’ from the pulpit.’” — Paul Laurence Dunbar, The Uncalled, 1898
A Snippet:
Did you know that Paul Laurence Dunbar was somewhat of a business maverick for his time, self-publishing and raising capital (with United Brethren Publishing in Dayton, Ohio) in order to print his first book, Oak and Ivy, for $125 in 1893—worth about $4,500 today?
Learn more . . .
Quotes and Black Art
Thursday, June 25, 2026 (week 26)
We’re half-way through 2026! Keep shinning ☀️
22. “On The Porch” by Shakquan McAllister
Guyanese American artist Shakquan McAllister—who has described his work as, “Intending to serve as a reflection to its viewer”—on allowing viewers to see themselves (in addition to the art):
“When viewers see my art, I intend for it to evoke a certain familiarity, audaciousness, but most of all I want them to feel seen.”
- Shakquan McAllister
23. “Galactic Morena (Roja)” by Yermine Richardson
Dominican Republic artist Yermine Richardson—whose art is deeply rooted in the traditional semiotics of Caribbean heritage (e.g., womanhood, fashion, spiritualism, and cosmology)—on finding light in darkness:
“When I was young there was no electricity at night where I grew up, so I used to watch the stars, play in darkness. Because of this I am acutely sensitive and attracted to bright colours. I remember my mom wearing a lot of sparkling clothes when going out to dance. These works are a celebration of people finding light even in darkness.”
- Yermine Richardson
24. “I Am A Man A Man I Am” (2015) by Dr. Lisa Whittington
Harlem, New York, born artist Dr. Lisa Whittington—who believes that teaching art is just as important as the process of making art—on dispelling myths:
“Historically, Black people and women were considered not ‘smart enough’ to create fine art.”
- Dr. Lisa Whittington
The Silver Lining?
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness." — Desmond Tutu
Gemini Birthdays!
(June 21st - July 22nd)
June 22 - Octavia Butler
June 22 - Donald Faison
June 23 - Randy Jackson
June 24 - Lionel Messi
June 24 - Solange Knowles
June 25 - LaLa Anthony
June 25 - Jimmie Walker
June 26 - Ariana Grande
June 27 - Paul Laurence Dunbar
(Breathe In . . . Breathe Out)
Play in darkness
Quotes and Black Art - A Newsletter
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