Reframing Blackness
Since the inception of mainstream art history, Blackness has been distinctly ignored. This course, led by Alayo Akinkugbe—art historian and founder of @ABlackHistoryOfArt—challenges this oversight with a compelling exploration of how Blackness has been represented and can be reimagined within the art world.
Designed in conjunction with her forthcoming book, this 5-week course delves into the portrayal of Black figures in Western art, explores Blackness within museum spaces, and examines curatorial practices that have historically overlooked but are integral to our collective art history. This refreshing and accessible course promises to initiate a much-needed conversation in culture and education, guiding participants through an in-depth exploration of how Blackness is portrayed and can be reimagined in art and culture.
Equip yourself with the tools to critically assess and contribute to discussions on Black representation. This course is accessible to all knowledge levels and perfect for those passionate about the intersections of art, history, and cultural studies.
Join us in this transformative learning experience and be part of the change towards a more inclusive art history narrative.
Online Course Information
Tutor: Alayo Akinkugbe
Duration: May 12- June 9
Frequency: Every Monday
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Course Objectives:
Deepen understanding of the historical portrayal of Black figures in Western art.
Explore the impact and representation of Black muses in artistic narratives.
Examine how exhibitions have shaped and can reshape the narrative of Blackness in the arts.
Week 1: Understanding Representations of Blackness
The first week introduces how Blackness has been represented in Western art, providing a foundation for understanding these depictions. We will explore key artworks and movements, discussing how historical and cultural contexts have influenced these portrayals.
Week 2: The Role of Black Muses in Art
During the second week, we will focus on the stories of Black muses and their impact on art. Through engaging stories and selected artworks, students will learn about the significant but often underrecognized contributions of these figures to the art world.
Week 3: Exhibitions as Platforms for Change
We will look at how exhibitions can serve as powerful platforms for articulating and transforming the narrative of Blackness in art. This week aims to inspire students to consider how exhibition design and curatorial decisions impact viewer understanding and engagement.
Week 4: Curating Blackness
This week delves into how curators and artists have approached the representation of Blackness in galleries and museums. We'll examine case studies of exhibitions that have either challenged or reinforced traditional narratives, encouraging students to think about the role of curatorial practice in shaping public perception.
Week 5: In Conversation – Visions for the Future with Alayo Akinkugbe and Rosa Johan Uddoh
The final week of the course features an 'in conversation' session with Alayo Akinkugbe and artist Rosa Johan Uddoh. This engaging discussion will delve into new curatorial approaches, art-making practices, and presentation methods that broaden our understanding of Blackness. The live format offers students the unique opportunity to actively participate, ask questions, and directly engage with the ideas that have been presented throughout the course.
Course Duration: May 12 - June 9
Frequency: Courses online every Monday
Time: 18:30 - 19:45
Platform for Live Classes: Classes are held live on Zoom.
Access: Live classes are recorded and can be watched back at any time for three months.
Preparation Material: Accessible preparation material is available ahead of each class.
Payment Options: Participants can choose to pay in one full payment or split the cost into two instalments.
Financial Assistance: If you would like to sponsor a place, a limited number of financial positions are available for sponsorship. To be considered for sponsorship or to sponsor a student, please email hello@black-blossoms.online.
Networking Breaks: Each live class includes a break room, giving students the opportunity to network and interact with each other.
Certification and Recognition: Although there is no formal certification, the Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture is recognised in the arts sector. Attendance at our short courses is encouraged to be included on your CV.
About Alayo Akinkugbe
Alayo Akinkugbe is a graduate of the University of Cambridge with a BA in History of Art, obtained in 2021, and she completed her MA in Curating the Art Museum at the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2023. She manages the Instagram platform @ABlackHistoryofArt, which highlights Black artists, sitters, curators, and thinkers from both art history and contemporary times. Additionally, Akinkugbe hosts the podcast "A Shared Gaze" and writes the column ‘Black Gazes’ for AnOther Magazine. She was awarded a curatorial research grant by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art for her work on the exhibition "Entangled Pasts: Art, Colonialism, and Change" at the Royal Academy of Arts. Akinkugbe served on the advisory panel and contributed to the book "African Artists: From 1882 to Now," published by Phaidon in 2021. She has also written for various publications including Dazed, Tate Etc., and The World of Interiors. "Reframing Blackness" is her debut book.
About the Book:
Mainstream art history has often overlooked Blackness. In Reframing Blackness, art historian Alayo Akinkugbe, founder of @ABlackHistoryOfArt, addresses this gap. She dives into how Black figures are shown in Western art, their representation in museums, and their influence in feminist art movements and educational curriculums. Through her work, Alayo highlights an important part of art history that hasn't been given enough attention.
Written clearly and engagingly, this book is set to start important conversations about Blackness in cultural and educational spaces.